KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Alex Tyus scored 18 points and turned a steal into a dunk in overtime that helped Florida to an 81-75 victory over Tennessee on Tuesday night.
Tennessee scored the last four points in regulation. A layup by Brian Williams with 1:40 left tied the game at 68, and both teams missed two shots before time expired.
Florida (13-3, 2-0 Southeastern Conference) opened the overtime with a 3-pointer from Kenny Boynton, who had 17 points, and the Gators scored the first six points in the extra frame.
Tennessee cut the margin to 79-75 on a 3-pointer by Cameron Tatum with 23 seconds left, but the Vols wouldn't hit another shot as the Gators made four free throws to close it out.
It was the second game Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl missed because of an eight-game SEC suspension. The Vols have lost both without him.
Tatum led Tennessee (10-6, 0-2) with 21 points.