The final remaining unbeaten in Division I had no likelihood from the opening tip on Tuesday evening as No. 8 Florida obliterated No. 1 Tennessee, 73-43, at hand the Volunteers their first lack of the season.
In keeping with Related Press sports activities author Josh Dubow, Florida’s 30-point win is probably the most lopsided victory over a No. 1 staff since UCLA defeated Houston, 101-69, within the 1968 Remaining 4.
It’s the third-worst loss by a No. 1 staff all-time and it marks Florida’s first house win over a top-ranked staff in program historical past.
Tennessee shot simply 12-for-56 (21.4%) from the ground and made 4 of its 29 three-point makes an attempt (13.8%). The Volunteers have been additionally outrebounded 55-38 and outscored 40-14 within the paint.
It was too straightforward for the Gators below the basket, together with this slam from sophomore middle Rueben Chinyelu that prolonged Florida’s result in 56-27 with 8:44 remaining.
Previous to Tuesday, Tennessee had gained 13 of its 14 video games by double digits, together with a dominant 76-52 win over then-No. 23 Arkansas to kick off SEC play.
The staff’s prime two scorers this season, senior guards Chaz Lanier and Zakai Zeigler, solely had 10 factors apiece and shot a mixed 7-for-28 from the ground.
The win was much more spectacular for the Gators, given their main scorer, senior guard Walter Clayton Jr., was held to seven factors (3-for-10 FG). It was a much-improved defensive efficiency from Florida after permitting 106 factors in opposition to previously-No. 10 Kentucky on Saturday.
Florida (14-1, 1-1 SEC) will journey to face Arkansas on Saturday whereas Tennessee (14-1, 1-1 SEC) will search for a rebound in opposition to Texas on Saturday and attempt to transfer on from its historic setback.
