Walter Clayton Jr. scored 22 factors and fourth-ranked Florida received its fifth SEC Event title and first since 2014 on Sunday, beating No. 8 Tennessee, 86-77.
The Gators (30-4) misplaced this sport a 12 months in the past. This time, they made positive to complete their twelfth all-time look on this sport with a win so as to add one other title to the listing that began with three straight between 2005-07.
Will Richard added 17 factors for Florida. Alex Condon had 13, Thomas Haugh 11 and Alijah Martin 10.
Fourth-seeded Tennessee (27-7) goes dwelling nonetheless searching for its first title on this occasion since 2022. The Vols have 5 SEC titles however dropped to 1-3 beneath coach Rick Barnes within the Vols’ fourth ultimate previously seven tournaments.
Jordan Gainey led the Vols with a career-high 24 factors. Zakai Zeigler had 23 and Chaz Lanier added 11 earlier than fouling out.
These groups cut up through the season, with every successful whereas defending their dwelling courts. The Vols had sufficient followers that this felt like a house court docket. But they led solely briefly, the final lower than two minutes in at 6-5.
Florida took over from there. The Gators jumped out to a 34-22 lead and took a 39-30 edge into halftime because of a buzzer-beating deep 3 from Denzel Aberdeen. Tennessee by no means received nearer than 5 within the second half.
Takeaways
Tennessee: Enjoying this match within the Volunteer State would not assist the Vols. They’re 1-5 all-time in SEC title video games on this state. They go dwelling with the final match title received in Tennessee again in 1936 in Knoxville.
Florida: The Gators have performed a program-record seven video games this season with each groups ranked within the Prime 10. They’re now 5-2 after going 6-16 earlier than this season.
Key second
Tennessee received inside 5 4 instances within the second half. After the ultimate time, Clayton’s 3 with 6:48 left began an 11-2 spurt to seal the win.
Key stat
The Gators dominated the boards 39-25.
Up subsequent
Each groups await their seed within the NCAA Event.
Reporting by The Related Press.
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