In a stunning display of defensive prowess and team cohesion, the Florida men’s basketball team delivered one of college basketball’s most decisive upsets on Tuesday, defeating the previously undefeated and No. 1 seed Tennessee Volunteers by a score of 73-43.
With the win, the Gators improved to 14-1 on the year and have let opponents know that they should not be taken lightly.
This victory at the O’Connell Center not only ended Tennessee’s perfect season, but also propelled the Gators up two spots in ESPN’s latest power rankings. Florida moved from No. 6 to No. 4.
ESPN staff writer Jeff Borzello highlighted the remarkable aspect of the Gators’ victory, noting that they achieved their win without much scoring from their leading scorer, Walter Clayton Jr., who only contributed seven points.
What ESPN said about Florida
“When it comes to statement victories, it’s hard to imagine a bigger one than taking down the previously unbeaten No. 1 team in the country by 30, holding it to 43 points. Florida had looked the part all season, but it needed a marquee win to back it up — and that’s what the Gators got against Tennessee on Tuesday.
“Perhaps the most impressive part? They did it despite leading scorer and All-America candidate Walter Clayton scoring just seven points.”
Top 10 men’s basketball teams in ESPN’s power rankings
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Iowa State Cyclones
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Florida Gators
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Tennessee Volunteers
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Marquette Golden Eagles
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Illinois Fighting Illini
Up next for the Gators
The Gators return to the road to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks in Fayetteville on Saturday, Jan. 11. Tipoff is slated for 4 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcast on ESPN.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida basketball cracks top 5 in latest ESPN power rankings
