Florida Gators
Tennessee
UF Men's Basketball Falls At No. 2 Tennessee, 104-82
Wednesday, February 6, 2008 | Men's Basketball
The Gators put up a 13-0 run within the first 3:20 of the first half as four Florida starters scored in double figures. Sophomore forward Dan Werner (Middletown, N.J.) scored 18 points and freshman guard Jai Lucas (Houston, Texas) chipped in 10.
The Gators maintained control throughout the first half, sinking open three-point attempts and executing pick-and-roll plays to perfection as the Volunteers struggled to keep up defensively.
The Gators took a 48-44 lead heading into the break and had three players in double digits after shooting a scorching 64 percent from the floor in the first half.
Freshman forward Alex Tyus' (St. Louis, Mo.) layup with 17:59 to go increased the Gators' lead to 52-46.
Tennessee took the lead after Tyler Smith spun around to hit a jumper and Lofton followed with a 3 with 16:02 to go.
Tennessee, which normally sinks only 64.6 percent from the line, took advantage of the Gators' foul trouble, completing 21 of 30 for 70 percent to boost their lead.
The Vols also made 13 from behind the arc, including Lofton's six and another six from JaJuan Smith. Tennessee pulled away in the second half, outscoring UF, 60-34.
Three players registered 20-point games for Tennessee as Lofton led all scorers with 26 points. Tyler Smith and JaJuan Smith chipped in 23 points apiece.
The Gators host Georgia next on the SEC calendar at 3 p.m. on Saturday. The game will be televised on Raycom.
