KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Chaz Lanier scored 19 factors to steer shorthanded No. 8 Tennessee to a 64-44 win over No. 5 Florida on Saturday.
The Volunteers (18-4, 5-4 Southeastern Convention) had been taking part in with out starters Zakai Zeigler (knee) and Igor Milicic Jr. (sickness).
Jordan Gainey scored 16. Felix Okpara had 10 factors and eight rebounds.
Walter Clayton Jr. scored 10 for the Gators (18-3, 5-3) within the first half earlier than injuring his left ankle. He reinjured it within the second half. The Gators shot 6 of 26 within the second half.
Tennessee took the lead on the finish of the primary half when Cade Phillips and Darlinstone Dubar had back-to-back blocks earlier than Lanier drilled a 3-pointer. Clayton went down with a left ankle damage with 1:07 left.
Takeaways
Florida: Thomas Haugh, a 6-foot-9 energy ahead, has emerged as one of many high sixth males within the nation. His contributions off the bench have been vital. … Heart Micah Handlogten, who sustained a ugly ankle damage on the SEC Event final yr, was contemplating a comeback in February, however has determined to take a seat out the yr.
Tennessee: If the Vols are going to have a powerful end to the season and a deep run within the postseason, senior level guard Zeigler will must be wholesome. He injured his proper knee Tuesday towards Kentucky.
Key second
From the tip of the primary half to the primary couple of minutes of the second, Tennessee had a 14-2 run that put the Vols forward 30-21. Gainey had six of these factors.
Key stat
The Vols hit their first six pictures of the second half to develop their result in double digits.
Up subsequent
Florida will host No. 24 Vanderbilt on Tuesday night time. Tennessee will host No. 20 Missouri on Wednesday night time.
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