Tennessee basketball vs Florida prediction: Rick Barnes vs Todd Golden in top-10 rematch

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Tennessee basketball gets another shot at Florida weeks after the Gators handed the Vols their first loss of the 2024-25 season.

The No. 8 Vols (17-4, 4-4 SEC) play the No. 6 Gators (18-2, 5-2) on Saturday (noon ET, ESPN) at Food City Center, a rematch from the Jan. 7 disaster in Gainesville when the Vols lost 73-43.

Here is what to know about the matchup:

Is Darlinstone Dubar a gamechanger for Tennessee?

Darlinstone Dubar played his biggest role yet for Tennessee against Kentucky. The senior guard played 17 minutes and was aggressive on offense and defense in the Vols’ loss on Tuesday.

Dubar took a season-high seven 3-pointers, while he had two steals and a block and created multiple possessions for the Vols with hustle plays in the final minutes.

“He was just more aggressive and more assertive, which we need him to,” guard Jahmai Mashack said. ” I think that is going to be big in the coming games in the SEC and the teams that we are going to be able to go against. We are going to need a guy like D-Stone, especially when he comes in to change the games for us. I think he is doing it and I think he has worked hard enough. That is what we expect him to do is just be more aggressive.”

The Hofstra transfer is averaging 3.9 points and 2.6 rebounds in 10.6 minutes per game. He also played 17 minutes at Texas on Jan. 11, where he attempted five 3-pointers and had six rebounds.

Florida is another elite offense for Tennessee’s standout defense

Tennessee faced Auburn and Kentucky in its past two games. The Tigers and Wildcats rank No. 1 and No. 3 nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency.

ZEIGLER: Rick Barnes gives Zakai Zeigler injury update before Tennessee basketball vs Florida game

Enter Florida, which ranks No. 2 as the Vols have faced the three best offenses in the country in three straight games.

“Our game plans are almost (always) we don’t ever want to let people get out and get easy baskets,” Tennessee coach Rick Barnes said. “So that’s transition, defense, rebounding, taking…

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Author : Knox News | The Knoxville News-Sentinel

Publish date : 2025-01-31 19:11:00

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