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Florida opened Tuesday night’s game against No.6 Tennessee as a near double-digit loser, with the line hovering at -8.5 points in the hour before the prediction after news surfaced that the Gators are said to be reboundless and third-top scorer Colin Castleton due to an ankle injury.
The Gators seemed fueled by being so overlooked and played with Castleton, guard Scottie Lewis (health and safety measures) and wing Keyontae johnson (Reduce) for the game.
Florida (7-4, 4-3 SEC) played their best half of the season and set the tone early and often with formidable defensive energy and a physical approach to the glass, taking advantage of that momentum to secure a massive 75- 49 shorthanded. win over Tennessee (10-2, 4-2 SEC).
No Castleton, no problem.
And that’s not something the Gators staff exactly expected before the game, not after being passed by 21 in a weekend loss to Mississippi State. Asked about Castleton’s impact so far this season after moving from Michigan and where Florida would be without him, coach Mike white was brutal.
“I think we have a few big guys on our list that would tell you we would be just as good,” White said. “But it would be difficult for me to honestly discuss this.
Maybe big man Omar Payne was listening.
The long center was locked early and helped Florida build a 42-22 points advantage in the paint, while passing Tennessee 44-36. Payne had 9 points, 9 rebounds and 5 blocks, helping to set the tone with Castleton actively cheering him on from the bench.
Meanwhile, big little used Not a disease (4 points and 6 rebounds) and Jason jitoboh (2 points and 3 rebounds) also contributed with valuable contributions.
The Gators also had a great outing from the guard Tyree Appleby, who helped distribute 7 assists and keep the ball moving throughout the night on offense. The result was an excellent shooting performance with Florida finishing 31 of 63 (49.2%) from the ground.
The Vols, on the other hand, were not so lucky. Hampered and stalked by a formidable defense from the Gators, they just couldn’t seem to get into the rhythm. Big man John fulkerson has hers in the paint, but Tennessee just couldn’t get enough of someone else with guard Jaden springer, widely regarded as UT’s best player in terms of creating his own offensive look, sidelined with an ankle injury.
Fulkerson scored 15 but was the game’s only double-digit goalscorer for Tennessee. The Vols shot only 17 of 58 (29.3%) from the ground.
Florida did what they needed to get on the ice, although Tennessee took the lead midway through the second half. After the Gators increased the lead to 20 in the second half, the Volunteers managed to reduce the deficit to just 11.
A quick 8-0 run for Florida in two minutes, capped by a 3-point dagger by Anthony Duruji after a robbery brought the last nail back into the coffin and UF further expanded the lead from there.
The Gators, who have been without Lewis for the past three games, could come back closer to their full strength now with a significant SEC victory in their pocket. Castleton is listed as day to day after turning the ankle, and White had hopes Lewis could return in the near future.
Florida will be back in action Saturday at 2 p.m. in Georgia, broadcasting on ESPN or ESPN2.
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