Walter Clayton Jr. scored 22 factors and the Florida of the fourth categorized received its title of the fifth century event and first since 2014 Sunday, beating the n. 8 Tennessee, 86-77.
The Gators (30-4) misplaced this recreation a yr in the past. This time, they made positive they find yourself their twelfth apparition of all time on this recreation with a victory so as to add one other title to the listing that started with three consecutive between 2005-07.
Will Richard added 17 factors for Florida. Alex Condon was 13 years outdated, Thomas Haugh 11 and Alijah Martin 10.
The Tennessee of the fourth seed (27-7) returns dwelling nonetheless in the hunt for his first title on this occasion since 2022. The Vols have 5 sec titles however they went all the way down to 1-3 beneath the coach Rick Barnes within the fourth remaining finals within the final seven tournaments.
Jordan Gainey guided the Vols with 24 profession factors. Zakai Zeigler had 23 and Chaz Lanier added 11 earlier than dirtying.
These groups separated throughout the season, with each victory whereas defending their dwelling courts. The Vols had sufficient fan that seemed like a house area. Yet they solely led briefly, the final lower than two minutes in 6-5.
Florida took over from there. The Gators jumped out 34-22 and introduced a fringe of 39-30 to half time due to a deep deep 3 Burter Denzel Aberdeen. The Tennessee is rarely nearer than 5 within the second half.
Takeaways
Tennessee: Playing this event within the voluntary state doesn’t assist the vulges. They are 1-5 of all time within the video games of the securous title on this state. They return dwelling with the final title of the event received within the Tennessee in 1936 in Knoxville.
Florida: The Gators performed seven information of this system this season with each groups categorized within the high 10. Now they’re 5-2 after having gone 6-16 earlier than this season.
Key second
The Tennessee has arrived in 5 4 instances within the second half. After the final time, Clayton’s 3 with 6:48 on the left began a shot of 11-2 to seal the victory.
Key stat
The Gators dominated the 39-25 playing cards.
Subsequently
Both groups await their seed within the NCAA event.
Reporting by the Associated Press.
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