Five keys for Florida basketball to secure a road win against the Tennessee Volunteers

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As the clock ticks down to the much-anticipated rematch between the Florida Gators and the Tennessee Volunteers, the stakes are as high as the expectations.

In their previous face-off, the Gators delivered a basketball masterclass, thrashing the Volunteers 73-43 in a game that wasn’t just a win, but a declaration.

As we inch closer to the rematch in Knoxville on Saturday, the question isn’t just whether Florida can win again—it’s whether they can replicate that level of dominance on hostile ground.

Here are five things that need to happen in order for Florida basketball to win on the road in Knoxville against the Volunteers.

Rebounding: The Silent Game-Changer

One of the less flashy, but most impactful aspects of basketball is rebounding, and Florida’s previous dominance in this area was a key to their success. They out-rebounded Tennessee 56-37, a stat that spoke volumes about their control of the game. For the Gators to repeat their victory, maintaining this rebounding ferocity will be crucial, particularly in the offensive rebounds that can deflate the opposing crowd and give Florida second-chance points.

Efficiency is Key

Shooting percentages often tell the tale of the tape. While Florida’s 39.7% from the field in their last encounter might not turn heads, it was enough when coupled with their volume shooting. Walter Clayton Jr., with a solid three-point shooting percentage this season (36.7%), and Alijah Martin, who was one of the scoring leaders in their last game against the Georgia Bulldogs, will need to be efficient in terms of scoring again. Their ability to convert, especially from long range, will be pivotal in silencing the Volunteer crowd early.

A Defensive Clinic

Defense wins championships, so the saying goes, and Florida’s last game against Tennessee was a defensive clinic. Holding Tennessee to just 21.4% shooting was no small feat. Replicating this will require a concentrated effort to disrupt Tennessee’s shooters, particularly on the perimeter. If the Gators…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/five-keys-florida-basketball-secure-212419607.html

Author : Gators Wire

Publish date : 2025-01-31 21:24:00

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