The last remaining unbeaten in Division I had no chance from the opening tip on Tuesday night as No. 8 Florida obliterated No. 1 Tennessee, 73-43, to hand the Volunteers their first loss of the season.
According to Associated Press sports writer Josh Dubow, Florida’s 30-point win is the most lopsided victory over a No. 1 team since UCLA defeated Houston, 101-69, in the 1968 Final Four.
It is the third-worst loss by a No. 1 team all-time and it marks Florida’s first home win over a top-ranked team in program history.
Tennessee shot just 12-for-56 (21.4%) from the floor and made four of its 29 three-point attempts (13.8%). The Volunteers were also outrebounded 55-38 and outscored 40-14 in the paint.
It was too easy for the Gators under the basket, including this slam from sophomore center Rueben Chinyelu that extended Florida’s lead to 56-27 with 8:44 remaining.
Prior to Tuesday, Tennessee had won 13 of its 14 games by double digits, including a dominant 76-52 win over then-No. 23 Arkansas to kick off SEC play.
The team’s top two scorers this season, senior guards Chaz Lanier and Zakai Zeigler, only had 10 points apiece and shot a combined 7-for-28 from the floor.
The win was even more impressive for the Gators, given their leading scorer, senior guard Walter Clayton Jr., was held to seven points (3-for-10 FG). It was a much-improved defensive performance from Florida after allowing 106 points against previously-No. 10 Kentucky on Saturday.
Florida (14-1, 1-1 SEC) will travel to face Arkansas on Saturday while Tennessee (14-1, 1-1 SEC) will look for a rebound against Texas on Saturday and try to move on from its historic setback.
