Alex Tyus’s 18 points and breakaway steal for a dunk in overtime helped the Gators get past the Tennessee Vols 81-75 last night in Knoxville.
The Vols (10-6, 0-2) scored the last few points in the second half with just over a minute to go. Brian Williams tied the game up at 68 after a layup with just over a minute left in regulation. Florida had some golden opportunities to win the game before going into overtime but they hurt themselves with a couple poor passes, missed free throws late in the game and a missed layup by Erving Walker that should of been made.
Kenny Boynton struggled from beyond the arc throughout the game but towards the end he found his rhythm. Boynton drained a three at the beginning of overtime that gave Florida some momentum. The Gators ended up scoring the first six points in OT.
The Gators (13-3, 20) defense came up big this game. Tyus stepped up and made some key blocks at the end that saved Tennessee from scoring.
Cameron Tatum’s three point basket with 23 seconds left on the clock cut the Gators lead to four points but Florida sunk they’re free throws and Tennessee couldn’t hit another shot as time was winding down.
Last night was the second game that Tennessee head coach Bruce Pearl missed due to an eight game SEC suspension.
Boynton finished with 17 points while Erving Walker chipped in 15. Chandler Parsons added 16 points, 6 boards and shot 4-for-5 from the three.
The Gators are back in action in Gainesville for another SEC match up against South Carolina on January 15. Tipoff is at 1:30pm.
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