Tennessee came into the game knowing rebounding would be critical against Florida’s high-powered offense. The Gators won the board battle by 14 and the game 86-77.
Florida’s offensive ball movement caused Tennessee’s defense problems. The Gators shot 45% from the field and held a 39-30 lead at the break. Will Richard led the Gators with 11 points in the first half.
Florida’s lead continued to grow. The Gators pulled ahead by as much as 13 in the second half, but Jordan Gainey went on an eight-point run to pull the Vols within five.
The Gators went on an 8-0 run late in the second half, which put Florida up by 14 and put the game away.
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Walter Clayton Jr. led the way for the Gators. The senior hit some big shots on his way to 22 points.
Gainey finished with a team-high 24 points. Zakai Zeigler had 23 and added eight assists. Chaz Lanier finished with 11 points after fouling out with 5:29 left in the contest.
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