Florida entered Tuesday night’s game against No. 6 Tennessee as a nearly double-digit underdog, with the line fluctuating to -8.5 points in the hour before the complaint after news that the Gators would be without a rebound leader and the third best scorer Colin Castleton due to an ankle injury.
The Gators seemed fed up with being so neglected and threw lights on Castleton, guard Scottie Lewis (health and safety precautions) and wing Keyontae Johnson (collapse) for the game.
Florida (7-4, 4-3 SEC) played its best half of the season and set the tone early and often with incredible defensive energy and a physical approach to the glass, taking advantage of the momentum to secure a reduced number of 75-49. beat Tennessee (10-2, 4-2 SEC).
No Castleton, no problem.
And that was not something the Gators team expected at the very beginning of the game, not after being overtaken by 21 in a weekend loss to the State of Mississippi. Asked about Castleton’s impact so far this season after the Michigan transfer and where Florida would be without him, the coach Mike White it was blunt.
“I think we have some big ones on our list who would say we would be so good,” said White. “But it would be difficult for me to argue that honestly.”
Maybe great man Omar Payne was listening.
The long center was blocked from the start and helped Florida build a 42-22 lead in points in the painting, while overtaking Tennessee 44-36. Payne had 9 points, 9 rebounds and 5 blocks, helping to set the tone with Castleton actively cheering for him on the bench.
Meanwhile, big little used Osayi Osifo (4 points and 6 rebounds) and Jason Jitoboh (2 points and 3 rebounds) also contributed some valuable contributions.
The Gators also had a great time off guard Tyree Appleby, who helped distribute 7 assists and kept the ball moving all night in the attack. The result was a strong shooting performance, with Florida finishing 31 out of 63 (49.2%) from the ground.
The Vols, however, were not so lucky. Stuck and chased by an incredible defense from the Gators, they just couldn’t get into the rhythm. Big man John Fulkerson had his in painting, but Tennessee just couldn’t get enough of anyone else with guard Jaden Springer, widely considered the best UT player in terms of creating his own appearance in the attack, was sidelined due to an ankle injury.
Fulkerson scored 15, but was the only double-digit scorer in the game for Tennessee. The Vols shot only 17 of 58 (29.3%) from the ground.
Florida did what it needed to close the gap to freeze things, although Tennessee cut the lead in the middle of 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 to Florida over a two-minute break, culminating in a 3-point Anthony Duruji after a robbery, the last nail in the coffin was taken home and the UF further expanded its leadership from there.
The Gators, who have been without Lewis for the past three games, can now return in full force with a significant SEC victory in their pocket. Castleton is listed as everyday after spraining his ankle, and White looked hopeful that Lewis could return in the near future.
Florida will be back in action on Saturday at 2 pm in Georgia, with a broadcast on ESPN or ESPN2.