The Gators won with depth.
Tennessee, playing in their fourth SEC title game in the last seven years, was looking for a win over Florida and perhaps a No. 1 seed. However, Florida showed why many believe that they’re the top team in the nation, flexing their size and depth.
Sunday’s game started a lot like Saturday’s — fast. Both sides opened with multiple three-pointers to open the scoring, as both Chaz Lanier and Zakai Zeigler got free early on. Florida’s Walter Clayton quickly found answers to score six points, and it was game on from there.
Early foul trouble for Tennessee
Jordan Gainey came off the bench early and gave Tennessee a spark. He hit three of his first four shots to score seven of the Vols’ first 16 points. Tennessee needed it too, with Chaz Lanier and Igor Milicic picking up two fouls each before the ten minute mark of the game.
The pressure was on both Gainey and Darlinstone Dubar now, just as it was on Saturday against Auburn.
Florida took advantage. After being tied at 16, the Gators went on a 9-1 run to take a 25-17 lead. Florida’s size advantage in the paint was starting to show, with the Gators winning the early rebounding battle 16-9. Milicic in foul trouble certainly didn’t help that number.
With a bunch of offense on the bench, Florida kept hammering away. Will Richard hit his third three of the half to give the Gators a 32-20 lead with five minutes to play in the half.
A frantic end to the first half would cut into that Florida lead. Cade Phillips came up with a reverse layup, then Zeigler nailed a three.
Until Denzel Aberdeen hit a 30-foot three at the halftime buzzer.
Florida takes a nine-point lead into halftime
The Gators were up 39-30 at the break, thanks to that dagger three. Knowing how good Florida can be on the offensive end, Tennessee needed to make something happen in a hurry to cut into this deficit.
Through the first five minutes, both sides just traded baskets. Tennessee was doing what they needed to do offensively, but they couldn’t stop the potent Florida offense. The points in the paint battle was one-sided and only getting worse with Tennessee in foul trouble.
Tennessee cut the lead back down to nine, but a bucket and then a turnover into a transition bucket quickly took the wind out of the Vols’ sails. An offensive foul on a screen created another turnover.
Tennessee shows life, thanks to Jordan Gainey — but fouls linger
Down 12, Tennessee needed something. Jordan Gainey was that something. An open three and then an and-one — then a turnover and two free throws — gave him eight straight points.
Just like that a 12-point lead went down to a five-point lead with under nine minutes to play.
Chaz Lanier would pick up his fourth foul on the next possession. Both teams found the bonus shortly after.
Once again, Tennessee had the offense, but the stops had to come. The referees tight whistle continued, and the Volunteers seemed to be getting the short end of the stick. Lanier, Milcic, Okpara and Mashack all had four fouls with six minutes to play.
Lanier would foul out with over five minutes to play.
Florida’s depth, size wins out
After Lanier fouled out, this one was over. Florida drilled a dagger three, then Mashack fouled out.
Final score: Florida 86, Tennessee 77
A tight whistle in a game that was less physical than Saturday’s against Auburn was frustrating.
There were some flashbacks to Gainesville in this one. Tennessee just really doesn’t have the personnel to matchup with Florida in the paint, and the stats prove that once again. Sure, Tennessee’s foul issues hurt, but Florida coming at you four deep with different big men is a massive advantage.
Tennessee’s lack of depth there hurts — it hurts against Florida more than anyone else.
The Volunteers will be a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. We’ll have the full bracket and analysis out later tonight.