01/10/26 01:24:00
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01/10 13:22 CST Boogie Fland delivers his best game at Florida and leads the
way against No. 21 Tennessee, 91-67
Boogie Fland delivers his best game at Florida and leads the way against No. 21
Tennessee, 91-67
By MARK LONG
AP Sports Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) --- Boogie Fland scored a season-high 23, Rueben
Chinyelu dominated the paint and Florida handled No. 21 Tennessee 91-67 on
Saturday to extend its home winning streak to 15.
Chinyelu finished with 17 points and 16 rebounds for his eighth double-double
of the season. He fouled out in the waning seconds and got the loudest ovation
of the game.
The defending national champion Gators (11-5, 2-1 Southeastern Conference)
swept two ranked opponents this week after dropping out of the AP Top 25.
Inconsistent shooting, especially from 3-point range, had been Florida's
biggest weakness all season.
But coach Todd Golden's team made 9 of 30 from behind the arc against the
Volunteers (11-5, 1-2).
Fland had three of them to highlight his best game in a Florida uniform, which
came days after he cut his signature dreadlocks.
After missing 15 consecutive 3s over his last five games, Fland got hot and was
the difference for the home team. He made 9 of 13 shots to go along with five
assists and four steals. Fans started chanting "let's go Boogie!" in the second
half, and the in-house DJ started playing every song mentioning Boogie at his
fingertips during timeouts.
Fland turned it on late in the first half, finding renewed confidence after
hitting two 3s. He started driving, getting to the free-throw line and even
scored on several midrange jumpers. He helped the Gators close the first half
with a 10-0 run to build a 13-point lead.
With Florida greats Vernon Maxwell and Mike Miller on hand, the Gators
stretched the lead to 25 midway through the second half and cruised from there.
Nate Ament led the Vols with 17 points and Ja'Kobi Gillespie added 12. But
Tennessee had just six 3s and 18 turnovers.
Up next
Tennessee hosts Texas A&M on Tuesday
Florida plays at Oklahoma the same night.
___
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