The Florida Gator Men's Basketball Team tips off SEC Tournament action Thursday at 7:30 EST against Alabama. Florida is the #4 seed in the East while Alabama is the #5 seed in the West.

While the Gators are coming off a 75-70 loss at Kentucky, Alabama comes into the Georgia Dome after upsetting (then #16) Vanderbilt. A win by Florida advances the Orange and Blue to Friday night's 7:30 match up against Mississippi State (the #1 seed in the West).

Despite, Florida's 4-6 overall record against Bama in the SEC Tourney, the Gators have caputred their last 3 SEC tourney match ups.

Florida begins play in the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament (March 13-16) as the 3-time defending champions. The Gators have won 18 consecutive postseason games. That's the longest streak since the UCLA Bruins captured 28 in-a-row during the John Wooden era when UCLA captured 7 straight NCAA championships.

Thurday's First Round games begins with #5 Seed in the East South Carolina facing #4 seed LSU in the West at 1pm EST. #6 Seed in the West Auburn faces #3 Seed in the East Vanderbilt at 3:15pm EST.

Following Florida and Alabama's meeting at 7:30pm EST, #6 Seed in the East Georgia takes on the #3 Seed in the West Ole Miss at 9:45pm EST.

All opening round contests are scheduled to be broadcast live on Raycom Sports.