No. 8 Tennessee Dominates No. 5 Florida 64-44 Despite Key Absences

Chaz Lanier scored 19 points to lead shorthanded No. 8 Tennessee to a dominant 64-44 victory over No. 5 Florida on Saturday. The Volunteers (18-4, 5-4 SEC) were without two key starters Zakai Zeigler (knee) and Igor Milicic Jr. (illness) but still managed to overpower the Gators (18-3, 5-3) with stifling defense and timely shooting.

Florida’s Jordan Gainey led the Gators with 16 points, while Felix Okpara contributed 10 points and eight rebounds. Walter Clayton Jr. scored 10 points in the first half but suffered a left ankle injury late in the period, which he aggravated again in the second half. Without their top scorer at full strength, the Gators struggled offensively, shooting just 6-for-26 in the second half.

Tennessee took control of the game late in the first half with a momentum-shifting sequence. Cade Phillips and Darlinstone Dubar made back-to-back blocks, setting up Lanier for a crucial three-pointer that gave the Vols a lead heading into halftime.

The Vols then opened the second half on a blistering 14-2 run, extending their advantage to 30-21. During that stretch, Gainey accounted for six points, but Florida’s offense went cold, allowing Tennessee to build a comfortable cushion.

Tennessee’s offense clicked after halftime, as the Vols hit their first six shots of the second half to push their lead into double digits. Their defensive intensity never wavered, holding Florida to just 23% shooting in the final 20 minutes.

Despite missing Zeigler, Tennessee controlled the tempo and found offensive production from multiple players, with Lanier stepping up as the primary scorer.

Sixth-Man Spark, Thomas Haugh continues to prove himself as one of the top bench players in the country, giving the Gators valuable minutes. Center Micah Handlogten, who suffered a severe ankle injury in last season’s SEC Tournament, has decided to sit out the year despite considering a February return. Injury woes Walter Clayton Jr.’s ankle injury could be a concern moving forward, as he re-injured it in the second half.

Even without Zeigler and Milicic Jr., the Vols defense held Florida to a season-low 44 points. If Tennessee hopes to make a deep postseason run, getting their senior point guard healthy will be critical. Zeigler injured his right knee earlier in the week against Kentucky. Chaz Lanier delivered when Tennessee needed him most, pacing the offense with 19 points.

Tennessee’s 14-2 run spanning halftime proved to be the turning point. The Vols seized control of the game and never looked back, suffocating Florida’s offense while steadily building their lead.

Tennessee hit its first six shots of the second half, allowing the Vols to break the game open early in the period.

The Gators will look to bounce back when they host No. 24 Vanderbilt on Tuesday night. The Vols will aim to keep their momentum rolling as they host No. 20 Missouri on Wednesday night.

Tennessee’s ability to overcome injuries and dominate a top-five opponent speaks volumes about their depth and defensive prowess. With a key win in hand, the Vols now turn their attention toward finishing strong in SEC play.

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