KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Chaz Lanier led the way for the eighth-ranked Tennessee Volunteers with 19 points as they secured a 64-44 victory over No. 5 Florida on Saturday, despite being short-handed.
The Volunteers improved their record to 18-4 overall and 5-4 in the Southeastern Conference, even with key players Zakai Zeigler, who is recovering from a knee injury, and Igor Milicic Jr., who was sidelined due to illness.
Jordan Gainey contributed significantly with 16 points, while Felix Okpara recorded a solid performance with 10 points and eight rebounds.
For the Gators, who fell to 18-3 and 5-3 in the conference standings, Walter Clayton Jr. initially scored 10 points in the first half before suffering a left ankle injury that limited his effectiveness in the second half, where the team struggled, shooting only 6 of 26.
Tennessee regained momentum at the end of the first half, capitalizing on defensive plays by Cade Phillips and Darlinstone Dubar through consecutive blocks, which led to a three-pointer from Lanier. Clayton sustained his ankle injury with just over a minute left in the first half.
Takeaways from the game reveal that Florida’s Thomas Haugh, a 6-foot-9 power forward, is solidifying his reputation as a potential top sixth man nationally, while center Micah Handlogten is opting to sit out the remainder of the season after contemplating a return following an ankle injury he sustained at last year’s SEC Tournament.
For Tennessee, success in the final stretch of the season and potential postseason advancements will hinge on the health of senior point guard Zeigler, who injured his right knee in a game against Kentucky.
A pivotal moment occurred during the transition from the first to the second half, where Tennessee went on a 14-2 scoring run that extended their lead to 30-21, with Gainey contributing six points during this stretch.
In terms of key statistics, Tennessee was particularly effective at the start of the second half, making their first six shots and pushing their lead into double digits.
Looking ahead, Florida’s next game will be against No. 24 Vanderbilt on Tuesday night, while Tennessee will face No. 20 Missouri at home on Wednesday night.
