Florida Gators vs. Tennessee Volunteers Basketball Showdown: Game Preview, Predictions, and How to Watch
Halftime Report
After a tough road loss in their previous game, Florida bounced back impressively on their home court. They built a comfortable lead and led Tennessee 34-15 at halftime.
Florida has already won seven dominant games this season and looks poised to add another. Unless Tennessee stages a stunning comeback, the Gators should celebrate a decisive victory in the locker room.
Game Details
- Teams: Tennessee Volunteers vs. Florida Gators
- Current Records: Tennessee 14-0, Florida 13-1
- When: Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 7 p.m. ET
- Where: Stephen C. O’Connell Center, Gainesville, Fla.
- TV: ESPN2
- Watch: CBS Sports
- Stream: Available on Fubo
- Tickets: Starting at $35.49
What to Expect
Florida enters this game riding a 15-game home winning streak that dates back to last season. Tennessee, on the other hand, has won six straight games over that same stretch. One of those streaks will be snapped tonight when they face SEC rivals.
Florida has been on a roll offensively, consistently scoring 82 or more points in each of its last seven games. Volunteers will be challenged to tackle them.
Saturday’s 106-100 loss to Kentucky snapped Florida’s 13-game winning streak. Despite the loss, the Gators showed some offensive firepower, with Walter Clayton Jr. scoring 33 points, including six 3-pointers, Elijah Martin adding 26 points and five rebounds Florida with a 15-rebound attack for the 16th straight game continued to dominate the offense.
Meanwhile, Tennessee defeated Arkansas 76-52 on Saturday. The Volunteers have been outscoring their opponents this season, winning eight games by 22 or more points. Chas Lanier had a stellar performance, scoring 29 points and scoring 22 or more points for the third straight time. Igor Milicic Jr. also recorded a double-double with 13 points and 18 rebounds.
Key stats to watch
Both teams are excellent shooters from beyond the arc. Florida State is averaging 9.9 three-pointers per game, while Tennessee trails at 8.9. The fight on the perimeter can be decisive in deciding the game.
Heterogeneity and prediction
The most recent odds had Florida as the favorite by 2.5 points. The line has changed from Tennessee, which was once favored by 1.5 points, which is interesting. At 148.5 points, the over/under is established.
While Florida is expected to pull off a close win, betting is in for a tough choice. Florida State is 9-4-1 this season, while Tennessee State is 1-0-1.
Live History
Tennessee has won eight of the last ten games in the recent series, demonstrating their dominance:
January 16, 2024: Tennessee 85, Florida 66
2023 February 1: Florida 67, Tennessee 54
January 26, 2022: Tennessee 78, Florida 71
March 12, 2021: Tennessee 78, Florida 66
March 7, 2021: Tennessee 65, Florida 54
January 19, 2021: Florida 75, Tennessee 49
February 29, 2020: Tennessee 63, Florida 58
February 9, 2019: Tennessee 73, Florida 61
January 12, 2019: Tennessee 78, Florida 67
February 21, 2018: Tennessee 62, Florida 57
