KNOXVILLE – Saturday evening in a key spot, the Tennessee men’s basketball team showcased an advantage over its opponent that had nothing to do with size, speed or ability.
It’s been an edge the Volunteers have proven again and again throughout this season, namely against Louisville, Gonzaga, Memphis and now Florida: experience.
The Vols trailed 38-35 at halftime Saturday in Gainesville, Florida. The Gators had hit nine 3-pointers and had controlled the game for the most part in the first half. The second half the Gators hit only seven shots total, making 28 percent of them, and turned the ball over six times – four in the final 6:13. They were 1-for-7 from the field during that stretch, the only basket a KeVaughn Allen jumper thata cut the Tennessee lead to 67-65 with 3:35 remaining.
While the Gators struggled to create and make quality shots, Tennessee shot 58 percent from the field in the final 20 minutes in an eventual 78-67 Southeastern Conference victory.
Riding a 10-game win streak, the third-ranked Vols (14-1, 3-0) host Arkansas (10-5, 1-2) Tuesday night at 7 at Thompson-Boling Arena.