NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Todd Golden has clear expectations for his fourth-ranked Florida Gators.
“We have an opportunity to claim a national title,” Golden stated as his Gators received the Southeastern Conference Tournament championship trophy on Sunday.
Walter Clayton Jr. contributed 22 points during the game as Florida won its fifth SEC The tournament title and the first one since 2014 was won on Sunday after defeating the No. 8 Tennessee Volunteers with a score of 86-77.
I arrived here because I had faith in that vision," Clayton stated regarding his title wins at Florida. "To see it materialize and become reality is fantastic.
The Gators (30-4) lost in this game A year ago, they demonstrated their strength by defeating No. 21 Missouri, No. 5 Alabama, and now the Vols. As a result, they concluded their 12th appearance in this game ever, aiming to add yet another championship to their roster, which began with three consecutive titles from 2005 to 2007.
"When we play like this, I believe we are the top team in America," Golden stated.
Richard contributed 17 points for Florida. Alex Condon scored 13, Thomas Haugh got 11, and Alijah Martin added 10.
Richard had one of the nets draped around his neck as he spoke with the press, and the upperclassman emphasized that he aims for this not to be his final moment. It adds extra incentive.
"Slashing the nets feels amazing, but our aim is also to have that opportunity in the NCAA Tournament," Richard stated.
Fourth-seeded Tennessee (27-7) heads home without securing their first championship win in this event since 2022. Despite having five SEC titles, the Vols fell to a 1-3 record under Coach Rick Barnes after losing; they've reached the finals four times within the last seven tournaments.
We arrived with the mindset of wanting to claim victory in this tournament," Barnes stated. "It’s disappointing that we didn’t succeed. However, we have another chance next week. Hoping that we can make it through and continue advancing.
Jordan Gainey topped the score sheet for the Vols with a personal-best of 24 points. Zakai Zeigler contributed 23 points, and Chaz Lanier chipped in with 11 before committing his fifth foul.
"The experience we've gained from competing against the top teams in this conference will benefit us come March, which remains our primary objective," stated Tennessee senior Jahmai Mashack amid the frustration following the defeat.
These squads divided the season with each team dominating on their own turf. Tennessee’s supporters were so numerous that it felt akin to playing at home for them. Nonetheless, they managed to take the lead only momentarily, specifically within the final two minutes when the score was 6-5.
Florida then stepped up their game. The Gators surged ahead with a score of 34-22 and led by 39-30 at halftime due to a last-second long-range three-pointer by Denzel Aberdeen. In the second half, Tennessee remained within striking distance but never came closer than five points behind.
Net time
Clayton wore a net around his neck as well, and he managed to cut down a net at Iona during his time in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference when he was named the conference’s player of the year prior to moving to Florida. Reflecting on his initial championship from his high school days, he remembered that cutting nets wasn’t permitted then due to a specific rule.
"They had games following our session," Clayton stated with a wide grin.
Who's MVP?
During the post-game ceremony, there was brief confusion when they initially announced Richard as the MVP and later corrected it to Clayton.
Takeaways
In Tennessee: Competing in this tournament within the Volunteer State isn’t advantageous for the Vols. Historically, they have struggled, holding a record of 1-5 in SEC championship games held here. Their most recent victory at an event in Tennessee dates back to 1936 in Knoxville.
In Florida, the Gators have faced a record-breaking seven games this season where both teams were ranked within the top ten. Their current record stands at 5-2, which surpasses their previous total of only six wins in the preceding sixteen games prior to this season.
Key moment
In the second half, Tennessee came close by just five points on four occasions. However, after the last such instance, Clayton’s three-pointer at the 6:48 mark initiated an 11-2 run that secured their victory.
Key stat
The Gators controlled the rebounds with a score of 39-25 overall and 15-5 specifically on the offensive glass.
Up next
Each squad is waiting for their seeding in the NCAA Tournament.
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