In a thrilling SEC Tournament semifinal match, Denzel Aberdeen emerged as the hero for the Florida Gators, leading them to a 95-90 victory over the Texas A&M Aggies. Despite having his last shot blocked, the sophomore guard delivered a career-high performance, scoring a remarkable 20 points and showcasing his clutch abilities.

With this win, Florida secured their spot in the SEC final against Auburn on Sunday. The Gators, known for their inconsistency this season, have defied expectations and shown their resilience in the postseason. Under the guidance of coach Todd Golden, the team's second-season has proven to be a remarkable one, now boasting a record of 24-10.

One of the key factors in Florida's victory was their proficiency at the free-throw line. Following a four-point play by Walter Clayton Jr., the Gators found themselves leading by 11 points. However, Texas A&M fought back relentlessly, fouling repeatedly to narrow the deficit. Florida responded by converting nine consecutive free throws, only falling short with one miss by Alex Condon. The Aggies missed crucial shots in the final moments, allowing the Gators to secure the win.

Defensively, the Gators struggled in the first half, conceding a staggering 50 points, including 20 from Wade Taylor IV alone. Their first-half defensive performance was their weakest of the season. Nonetheless, led by Denzel Aberdeen's offensive prowess, Florida managed to rally, reducing the deficit to six points. This impressive comeback eventually propelled the team to victory.

The Gators' defense improved in the second half, limiting Texas A&M to just two made three-pointers and a shooting percentage of 34%. Zyon Pullin highlighted the team's determination to stay tough and connected, weathering the Aggies' early dominance.

Florida's success was not solely dependent on Aberdeen's heroics. The team's balanced scoring was a significant factor in securing the victory. Alongside Aberdeen's 20-point performance, Will Richard contributed 19 points, Clayton Jr. scored 16, while Pullin and Tyrese Samuel each added 15 points. Despite being outrebounded by 10 and conceding 22 second-chance points, the Gators demonstrated their resilience and ability to win as a team.

The outcome of the SEC Tournament will have implications for Florida's seeding in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Concerns of being relegated to the 8 vs. 9 matchup have loomed large for the team, who now have their sights set on claiming the SEC title. On Sunday, March 17, the Gators will face the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Tournament Finals in Nashville, with the game scheduled to tip off at 1 p.m. ET. The matchup will be televised on ESPN.

Following their triumphant semifinal win, social media buzzed with reactions to Florida's performance. Fans and analysts took to Twitter to celebrate Aberdeen's outstanding game and to discuss the team's path to the SEC final.

With their momentum building and the team firing on all cylinders, the Gators undoubtedly have their eyes set on securing the SEC Tournament title as they prepare to face Auburn in the final showdown.