Florida vs Tennessee: 2024-25 College Basketball Game Preview & TV Schedule
TV Schedule: 11:00 AM CST on ESPN
Arena: Food City Center, Knoxville, TN
The Tennessee Volunteers are set to host the Florida Gators in what promises to be an intense rematch.
The Gators handed Tennessee a brutal 30-point loss in Gainesville during their first encounter, when the Volunteers entered as the number 1 team in the country, undefeated. Now, the Volunteers, ranked 8th, are seeking revenge as they face the number 5-ranked Gators on their home court.
Tennessee enters this game struggling, having dropped two consecutive games and three of their last four.
Their most recent loss came against Kentucky, a game that Tennessee was expected to win.
Earlier, they suffered a narrow defeat to Vanderbilt by just one point, and they were also outplayed by Auburn in a defensive struggle. With a critical conference game ahead, Tennessee desperately needs to bounce back with a strong performance, especially against such a formidable opponent.
For Tennessee, defense is always the focus.
Ranked 2nd in the country by KenPom for defensive efficiency, they limit opponents to just 59 points per game.
Head coach Rick Barnes is known for his defensive prowess, ensuring his teams stay locked in on that end of the floor, even when their offense isn’t clicking.
The Volunteers excel at defending the three-point line, holding opponents to under 30% shooting from beyond the arc. Given Florida’s ability to strike from deep, Tennessee must keep up their perimeter defense to avoid a repeat of their first meeting, where Florida dominated with their shooting.
Offensively, Tennessee is heavily reliant on the three-point shot. Guards Chaz Lanier (17.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 41% shooting from three) and Zakai Ziegler (12.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists) lead the charge.
Lanier has been one of the nation’s top scorers, while Ziegler is recognized as one of the best passers in college basketball. If Tennessee is to secure a win at home, these two must have standout performances. A poor outing from either would make it nearly impossible for the Volunteers to stay competitive.
Florida enters the game as one of the most well-rounded teams in the country. The Gators play at a breakneck pace, relying on fast breaks and a high-volume three-point attack to overwhelm opponents.
Their rebounding prowess fuels their transition game, which proved too much for Tennessee in the previous matchup. Florida capitalized on Tennessee’s inability to hit shots, quickly turning missed attempts into fast-break points.
Led by guards Walter Clayton (17.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists) and Alijah Martin (16.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists), Florida boasts one of the most dynamic backcourts in college basketball.
Clayton, a transfer from Iona, played under Rick Pitino, while Martin, who transferred from Florida Atlantic, brings Final Four experience.
Both players are capable of dominating on offense, whether driving to the basket or knocking down threes. Despite their star power, Florida’s depth and consistent scoring make them more balanced than Tennessee, who relies heavily on their two top players.
Defensively, Florida has been just as impressive. The Gators contest nearly every shot, using their physicality to disrupt opponents’ rhythm.
They also defend the three-point line well and boast a stout interior defense, with shot blockers ready to challenge any attempt at the rim. Once they secure the rebound, Florida is quick to transition, converting turnovers into easy points.
Tennessee faces an uphill battle in this matchup. They’ll need to find a way to slow down Florida’s transition game, which is a huge strength for the Gators.
Tennessee has shown they can manage against fast-paced teams, as evidenced by their defensive performance against Auburn earlier this season.
However, Florida’s style of play presents a different challenge, with their ability to stretch the floor and dominate the glass.
For Tennessee to have a chance, they must make enough shots to stay within striking distance and limit Florida’s fast-break opportunities.
If they can force the game into a half-court setting, it would work to their advantage, as they thrive in such scenarios. Tennessee’s need for a significant win is urgent, and this game could serve as a turning point for their season.
