Florida (18-2) at Tennessee (17-4)
- When: Feb 1 2025, 12:00 PM
- Where: Thompson-Boling Arena, Knoxville, TN, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
Game Preview
Tennessee looks to bounce back from an earlier season embarrassment as they host Florida in a pivotal SEC showdown. The Volunteers, who were once undefeated and ranked No. 1, were handed a humbling 30-point loss by the Gators back on January 7. Now, three weeks later, Tennessee has a chance for revenge on their home floor.
The Volunteers (17-4, 4-4 SEC) have struggled lately, dropping three of their last four games, including a 73-43 disaster in Gainesville where they never led and shot a miserable 21.4% from the field. Despite those struggles, head coach Rick Barnes remains confident in his team’s ability to turn things around.
Tennessee is coming off a tough 78-73 home loss to No. 12 Kentucky, a game in which their 3-point shooting woes continued, making just 11-of-45 from deep. Zakai Zeigler (1-for-11) and Chaz Lanier (3-for-10) both had off nights. However, Igor Milicic Jr. stepped up, leading the team with 19 points and nine rebounds.
On the other side, Florida (18-2, 5-2 SEC) has been rolling, winning three straight and five of their last six. The Gators have had a full week of rest since their last game, an 89-59 blowout win over Georgia where Walter Clayton Jr. and Alijah Martin each scored 17 points and combined for nine steals.
Florida already dominated Tennessee once this season and will be looking to complete the season sweep. Gators head coach Todd Golden emphasized the importance of getting a win in one of the toughest road environments in college basketball, believing a win could solidify their case for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
This matchup will be a test of whether Tennessee can defend its home court or if Florida truly has their number. The Volunteers’ offense has been inconsistent, and if they struggle from deep again, they could be in for another frustrating night. However, Tennessee has been competitive in all but one of their losses, and with their backs against the wall, expect a much stronger effort this time around.
The line sits at Tennessee -5.5, and while Florida has been the better team lately, winning on the road in Knoxville is a tall task. Expect the Volunteers to put up a fight, but the Gators have the momentum and are playing with confidence.
Final Prediction: Florida covers the spread in a tight battle, but Tennessee escapes with a narrow 72-69 victory. The under 143.5 is also in play if the Volunteers’ shooting struggles continue.
Final Score Prediction: Tennessee 72, Florida 69
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
