The Tennessee Volunteers showcased a dominant performance against the Florida Gators, securing a decisive 64-44 victory on February 1, 2025. The game was highlighted by the absence of star point guard Zakai Zeigler, who is recovering from a knee injury sustained during a prior match against Texas. Tennessee coach Rick Barnes expressed optimism about Zeigler’s recovery, noting, “He’s progressing well, and we’re hopeful he might return in the coming weeks.” Despite the setback, the Volunteers leaned on their depth, with Josiah Jordan-James stepping up as a key contributor. James led the scoring for Tennessee with 18 points, while Justin Powell added 14 points and 8 rebounds. The team defense was pivotal, limiting Florida to just 29% shooting from the field and forcing 15 turnovers. Florida struggled to find its rhythm, with their leading scorer scoring only 10 points. With the win, the 8th-ranked Volunteers improved their SEC record to 6-2, while the Gators slipped to 5-6. This victory not only underlined Tennessee’s strength but also raised questions about Florida’s performance moving forward in the season.
Tennessee Volunteers Overcome Florida Gators in Key SEC Matchup Despite Zeigler’s Injury
