In their first Southeastern Conference matchup of the season, Florida and Tennessee were locked in a dogfight. The teams traded control throughout, and fourth-quarter flagrant fouls on both sides underscored the physicality of the contest. However, one team pulled away late: the Vols.
The Gators (12-4) battled Tennessee (9-3) in Knoxville for a chance to win the conference opener in the new year. But, Florida couldn’t keep its foot on the gas down the stretch and ultimately fell 76-65 to Tennessee.
In the first half, Florida struggled with its finishing around the rima. On a three-on-one fastbreak play, the ball got swung up the court to sophomore guard Laila Reynolds. She missed what was supposed to be an easy, uncontested two-points. Similar missed opportunities plagued the Gators through the remainder of the game.
This issue was compounded by giving up second chance rebounds. Tennessee largely outrebounded the Gators, especially on the offensive end. The Vols had four times the amount of offensive rebounds than Florida (20-5), and turned those boards into 19 second chance points.
In the second quarter, the Vols were tenacious out of the gate and lengthened their 10-point lead to 17 points in less than two minutes.
Despite the early deficit, Florida responded through its transition game. The Gators used defensive stops to push the pace, while Reynolds and Liv McGill led the charge both as scorers and facilitators. Florida chipped away at the lead and tied the game multiple times in the third quarter, briefly swinging momentum back in its favor.
Florida’s defensive activity, highlighted by key steals and blocks, fueled the comeback bid and helped the Gators erase the gap after trailing.
Sophomore guard Me’Arah O’Neal had a standout sequence in the third, scoring an and-one layup before immediately deflecting a pass on defense. She then shoveled the ball to Reynolds, who converted her own and-one layup.
McGill was the catalyst during the run, scoring at all three levels and attacking in the open floor. She ended the night with 32 points and two assists, but also zero rebounds. She averages about five rebounds per game.
While McGill was able to find her offensive rhythm, Reynolds struggled. She scored eight points on 3-of-14 shooting, well below her season average of 12.8 points on 42% from the field.
Ultimately, the Gators’ momentum couldn’t last. Tennessee’s full-court pressure in the fourth disrupted Florida’s rhythm, forcing turnovers and limiting transition opportunities.
The Vols capitalized on the Gators’ struggles, as junior guard Talaysia Cooper and freshman guard Mia Pauldo combined for key baskets and free throws that steadily extended the lead.
Cooper finished with 17 points and 7 rebounds while Pauldo ended with 10 points and four rebounds. They were supported by senior forwards Janiah Barker and Zee Spearman, who combined for 22 rebounds.
Tennessee’s efficiency on offense and control of the boards made it difficult for Florida to gain any momentum. Even as the game grew more physical and both teams received flagrant fouls, the Gators couldn’t dig themselves out of the hole.
Florida faces a challenging stretch of opponents, including in its next contest where it takes on No. 3 South Carolina (14-1) Sunday at 2 p.m. in Exactech Arena at the Stephen O’Connell Center.
Contact Isis Snow at isnow@alligator.org. Follow her on X @isis_snoww.
