Tuesday night’s matchup between the Gators and No. 6 Tennessee had all the makings of a blowout.
The Gators entered the game having lost three of their last four games and severely short-handed. Guard Scottie Lewis missed his third consecutive game due to health and safety protocols. Center Colin Castleton didn’t play after tweaking his ankle in the final moments of the loss at Mississippi State on Saturday. Of course, forward Keyontae Johnson is likely done for the season following his on-court collapse. Meanwhile, the Volunteers seem primed for a deep run in March and have forged a reputation as one of the most physical teams in the country.