The No. 8 Tennessee men’s basketball team is preparing for its matchup against the No. 5/6 Florida Gators in a highly anticipated top-10 showdown at the Food City Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. This game marks the Volunteers’ fifth consecutive home game against a ranked SEC opponent, with tipoff scheduled for noon ET as part of the annual “Checker Game” event.
Fans can catch the action live on ESPN, with Tom Hart on play-by-play and Dane Bradshaw providing analysis. For radio coverage, listeners can tune in to their local Vol Network affiliate to hear Bob Kesling and Bert Bertelkamp detail the game.
In their previous game, Tennessee suffered a close 78-73 loss to No. 12 Kentucky, unable to overcome the Wildcats’ impressive 3-point shooting. Senior forward Igor Miličić Jr. led the Volunteers with 19 points in the defeat.
The upcoming matchup against Florida holds significance for Tennessee, as they aim to add to their 81 wins against the Gators, which is tied for the fourth-most victories against any opponent in program history. The Volunteers have had success against Florida in recent years, boasting an 8-3 record in their last 11 meetings.
Earlier this season, Florida handed Tennessee its first loss after a 14-0 start, defeating the Volunteers 73-43. This game will be the second top-10 matchup of the 2024-25 season for Tennessee, showcasing the competitiveness of SEC basketball.
Tennessee has a strong track record at home, particularly against ranked opponents. Under head coach Rick Barnes, the Volunteers have a solid record against AP top-25 teams, showcasing their ability to perform in high-stakes matchups.
In terms of individual accolades, Tennessee players Chaz Lanier and Zakai Zeigler have been recognized on the John R. Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 Watch List, highlighting their impact on the team.
Overall, Tennessee’s success against ranked opponents and their strong home record under Rick Barnes position them as a formidable force in college basketball. As they prepare to face Florida in a top-10 showdown, the Volunteers will look to continue their winning ways and make a statement in the SEC.