MBB OGT: #1 UcheaT at #8 FLORIDA -- January 7, 2025 -- 7 PM [ESPN2]

Probably will have bruises on both arms the way he's getting hacked at the basket.......

 

Didn’t expect Aberdeen to be our leading scorer, but hell, I will take it.

 

Incredible, tenacious defense by the Gators in the first 1/2. Who said our team was all about the backcourt? This game our frontcourt is DOMINATING so far. Alex Condon has been a beast. Clayton had his worst 20 minutes as a Gator, 0-6, 3 turnovers and 2 fouls, yet Florida is controlling the game. We're only 2-12 shooting 3's, but have 24 points in the paint to their 6. The Vols have to make a run in the 2nd half and can we play with the same intensity the 2nd half? We shall see, but so far so good.

 

Maybe I’m biased but Condon is the best player on the court in my eyes. He has IT. And gets better every game.

 

Wow, Mike White stomping UK at half.

 

He dribbles it around too much, but he's been a huge help, not only tonight, but all season.

 

I bet he still gets double digits.

 

UGA up 13 on UK at the half.

 

Out rebounding them 30 to 19

 

As good as their backcourt is defensively, Clayton's struggles don't surprise me. He also has as many assists as Tennessee has made baskets.

 

They are so aggressive so far out, if you can get to the paint, there’s room.

 

10 boards, 3 assists, 2 blocks--just so physical, active, and smart.

 

Thats the stat of the game so far.

 

In taking the 34-15 halftime score, Florida is hitting a bunch of two-point baskets led by Aberdeen (10 pts), Richard (7 pts) & Condon (6 pts). Strangely, Walter Clayton is 0-6 & zero points.

Meanwhile, Tennessee is frigid-cold like the weather:
0-14 from 3pt-range and 4/29 FGs

Florida has also outrebounded #1 Tennessee, 30 to 19!

 

We need him. He’s been disappearing when we need him.

 

I think the 2nd half could get more physical as Barnes will probably have Tennessee play more inside. Florida better be ready for that.

 

That rarely happens, haha. After the stupid second foul on Clayton (and the makeup moving screen on them), they really swallowed their whistles. I believe it was six fouls the first six minutes, then six the remainder of the half. If I were a betting man, this second half gets slowed down with fouls. Only way to avoid that may be to put some more space between us.

 

Nice half.

 

I wouldn't mind if they call a few over the backs on UT.

 

Disappearing? He just scored 33 points against UK.