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After a disappointing loss at No. 7 Kentucky in its SEC opener, No. 8 Florida basketball gets a chance for redemption when its plays No. 1 Tennessee on Tuesday night in its SEC home opener at the O’Connell Center (7 p.m., ESPN2).
The Florida Gators (13-1, 0-1 SEC) are hosting a No. 1 team for the first time since falling 72-61 to No. 1 Baylor on Jan. 25, 2020 in the SEC-Big12 Challenge. Florida is 2-17 all-time against No. 1 ranked teams.
“This is probably as difficult as it gets.” Florida basketball coach Todd Golden said of UF’s start to conference play. “But listen, it’s part of the challenge and just the opportunity of playing in this league.”
Tennessee (14-0, 1-0 SEC) reloaded effectively in the transfer portal after losing SEC Player of the Year Dalton Knecht to the NBA Draft. The Vols have reached the Sweet 16 twice and Elite Eight once in 10 seasons under head coach Rick Barnes.
“If we can get this thing done, it gives us really good momentum throughout the rest of the conference slate, and gives us a really good chance to be competitive in the top fourth of the league,” Golden said.
Here are three storylines to watch for UF’s matchup against the Vols:
Can Florida basketball match Tennessee’s physicality?
The Vols remain a rugged, defensive squad under Barnes, ranking first in the nation in KenPom in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency and third in the SEC in rebounding margin (plus-10.4).
Florida, which leads the SEC in rebounding margin at plus-12.4, is up for the physical challenge the Vols will present on both ends of the floor.
Charlotte transfer Igor Milicic has been Tennessee’s top rebounder at 8.9 per game. Florida’s frontcourt duo of sophomore forward Alex Condon (7.7 rpg) and sophomore center Rueben Chinyelu (6.8 rpg) have excelled on the boards so far this season. The 6-foot-10, 260-pound Chinyelu was a factor inside in his SEC debut against Kentucky with 10 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.
“We’ve gotta be physical,” Golden said. “We’ve got to attack, and…
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Author : The Gainesville Sun
Publish date : 2025-01-07 00:54:00
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