3 Takeaways: No. 1 Tennessee 73, Florida 61

Photo by Tennessee Athletics

Tennessee took down the Florida Gators on Saturday, winning 73-61. The Vols played in front on 22,261 fans and the ‘Checker TBA’ campaign was a success. There were 583 more fans than the 21,678 capacity, as Vol Nation made it the second-largest crowd Thompson-Boling Arena has seen, at current capacity.

The arena was deafening to start the game, but Florida led for the game’s first 5 minutes of play. Then, Tennessee went on a 17-3 run to double the Gators, 22-11. The Vols led 36-30 at halftime. From that point on, even when Florida would try to make a comeback, Tennessee would answer with a better, stronger run. It simply wasn’t fair for Florida and it was somewhat comical how Tennessee would dominate each time the Gators built any confidence.

Rick Barnes now has the longest win streak of his coaching career, at 18 games. The win also ties Tennessee’s best start to SEC play in program history.

Grant Williams finished with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Admiral Schofield scored 14 points and had 6 rebounds, not to mention some high-flying dunks. Jordan Bone logged 10 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds on the day.

Here are 3 Takeaways from Tennessee’s tenth conference win of the season, moving them to 22-1 overall.

Post Presence Gives Vols Life

Thompson-Boling Arena was loud from the start on Saturday, but the dunks and electric plays in the post allowed it to really come alive. Tennessee’s post presence gave the Vols a big advantage. The Gators actually out-rebounded Tennessee 33-31, but Florida lost the points-in-the-paint battle and it wasn’t even close. The Vols outscored them 36-22 in the pained area. Many dunks electrified the crowd and made for a highlight-filled day.

Bowden is a Beast

Last season, Bowden was a 3-point shooter and that’s about all he offered on the offensive side of things. This season, he has increased his efficiency from beyond the arc and is driving to the basket more. On Saturday, he recorded 13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal. He made 4-6 field goals, including a 2-3 mark from downtown. He is a threat from the 3-point line, especially if he is left open. The attention he brings on the perimeter makes him that much more dangerous as he attacks the rim. Bowden has elevated his game this season and he’s one of Tennessee’s most reliable players.

Owning the Rivalry

The Tennessee players did the ‘gator chomp’ to the Florida fans after an emotional victory in Gainesville earlier this season. That was a result of some Florida fans being classless and calling the Vols demeaning names. This time around, Vol fans had some fun by doing the ‘gator chomp’ as the final horn sounded. There’s no doubt that this rivalry can be heated and is filled with animosity. Tennessee made sure everyone knows who owns the rivalry, sweeping the Gators this season as they continue to handle their business responsibly.

Player of the Game: Grant Williams