Typically, No. 2 Tennessee blows by opponents behind the nation’s best defense. However, this time, Florida locked up the Volunteers 67-54 to pull off the upset.
The Vols scored 20 points below their season average on 28% shooting from the field. In crunch time down single digits, the Gators held Tennessee scoreless while going on a 6-0 run on offense.
The Gators picked up the pace outscoring the Vols 10-0 in transition. Florida held the lead for the majority of the game.
WEDNESDAY SCORES: Full scoreboard
Colin Castleton topped Florida with 20 points (16 in the second half) and nine rebounds. Kyle Lofton added 14 points and four assists.
Zakai Zeigler led the Volunteers with 15 points, 13 in the second half after hitting just 1-of-7 shots, but it wasn’t enough to eclipse the Gators.
Falling as the No. 2 team in the nation, Tennessee marks the 10th top-2 ranked to lose this season according to ESPN Stats & Info.
No. 2 Tennessee lost to Florida, becoming the 10th different AP Top-2 school to lose this season.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 2, 2023
That's already the most different Top-2 teams to lose in a season in AP Poll history pic.twitter.com/iRxJKhaKWQ
The Vols broke a four-game winning streak and picked up their fourth loss to fall to 18-4. They’ll face No. 25 Auburn next on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Gators notched their first statement win of the season claiming their second ranked win and first over a top-5 opponent.
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