Florida earned its first-ever home win against a top-ranked opponent on Tuesday as the No. 8 Gators toppled No. 1 Tennessee 73-43 behind a vicious defensive effort and dominant showing on the offensive glass. The Gators (14-1, 1-1 SEC) held the Volunteers (14-1, 1-1) scoreless for nearly seven minutes to begin the game and limited Tennessee to 14% shooting in the first half.
It was Florida's first victory in any location against the nation's No. 1 team since it beat Ohio State in the 2007 national championship game. The outcome left college basketball with no more unbeaten teams after the Volunteers established themselves as the last team standing over the weekend.
The Gators were previously 0-5 at home against top-ranked opponents but have now won 16 straight at Exatech Arena, which includes a streak of nine straight SEC home wins dating back to last season. There was never much doubt about the home winning streak surviving another day.
Three days after allowing Kentucky to shoot 58% in a 106-100 loss to the Wildcats, the Gators put the clamps on Tennessee early. The Volunteers made just 4-of-29 shots from the field in the first half and went 0 for 14 from beyond the arc as Florida opened up a 34-15 halftime lead.
steal + slam #GoGators | 📺ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/lpUIVJ566d
— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) January 8, 2025
An 11-6 edge in offensive rebounds fueled the Gators to a 12-2 edge in second-chance points entering the break. Tennessee never truly threatened to complete a comeback vs. a swarming Gators team that validated its strong start to the 2024-25 season with a convincing win over an elite opponent.
Tennessee's 21.4% field-goal shooting is the worst percentage for Tennessee in a game under Rick Barnes.
