Florida defeats No. 2 Tennessee before Kentucky matchup

Simply taking a look at their file, it’d be simple to miss the Florida Gators. Sitting at 13-9 with losses to Florida Atlantic, Xavier, West Virginia, UConn, Oklahoma and Kansas State within the non-conference, then Auburn and Texas A&M (2) within the SEC — a really meh resume that included only one ranked win vs. No. 20 Missouri on Jan. 14.

Then got here Wednesday, the place the Gators hosted No. 2 Tennessee in Gainesville and despatched the Volunteers residence with an announcement 67-54 victory.

Down six halfway by the second half, Florida stormed again in opposition to the nation’s top-ranked protection with a 17-2 run and 29-10 total. The Gators held the Volunteers to only one discipline aim of their final 10 makes an attempt, with no buckets within the remaining 2:34 of motion. UT would find yourself taking pictures simply 27.9% from the sphere 19-68) and 20% from three (5-25) whereas UF completed 43.8% from the sphere (21-48) and 35% from three (7-20).

Individually, senior ahead Colin Castleton scored a game-high 20 factors — 16 within the second half — to go together with 9 rebounds and three assists. Fifth-year level guard Kyle Lofton added 14 factors, 4 assists and 4 rebounds.

“This was a desperation recreation. We’ve a troublesome schedule with this little stretch we’ve right here, and we’ve bought to win some video games. Everyone knows that, all people is aware of that,” Castleton mentioned after the win. “Simply having that grit, that toughness, coming down with rebounds, going for free balls — which we didn’t [earlier] within the second half once they have been getting on their run — however we have been capable of simply claw, and struggle and we got here out on high.”

With the win, Florida moved as much as No. 41 within the NET, simply outdoors Quad 1 standing for Kentucky when the Gators come to Lexington on Saturday. The Wildcats sit at No. 35 total.

“I feel it’s affirmation that we are able to beat anyone after we play to our capabilities,” coach Todd Golden mentioned. “Clearly, we performed very nicely tonight and that’d be a excessive customary to carry us to on a nightly foundation, however now we’ve proven the capability to do it. The idea stems from that. It’s not about potential anymore. We proved we are able to beat one of many high groups within the nation.”

The Gators common 71.5 factors per recreation and permit simply 64.5, with groups taking pictures simply 39.1% from the sphere total (No. 11) and 30.4% from three (No. 41). Not nice offensively (No. 144 total), however they’ve bought the No. 8 protection in all of school basketball, per KenPom.

In search of his first assertion win because the workforce’s head coach, Golden bought it within the type of a double-digit victory over the Volunteers.

“It was simply an superior evening for us and our program and for our guys,” he added. “I’m actually blissful for them that they get to get pleasure from this.”

One of many hardest schedules within the nation, they’ve bought one other check coming in opposition to the Wildcats on Saturday, with tip-off scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.