Florida Overpowers No. 21 Tennessee as Boogie Fland Breaks Out in Statement SEC Win

GAINESVILLE Fla. — Boogie Fland delivered a season defining performance and Rueben Chinyelu controlled the interior as Florida defeated No. 21 Tennessee 91 to 67 on Saturday night, extending its home winning streak to 15 games and producing a significant early Southeastern Conference result.

Fland scored a season high 23 points on 9 of 13 shooting, ending a prolonged shooting slump and providing the offensive balance Florida had been missing. After missing 15 straight three point attempts over his previous five games, Fland knocked down three from deep, added five assists and four steals, and consistently pressured the Tennessee defense. It was his most complete game of the season and a timely response as Florida continues to navigate conference play.

Chinyelu anchored the Gators inside with 17 points and 16 rebounds, posting his eighth double double of the season. He set the tone physically, creating second chance opportunities and limiting Tennessee to single shot possessions. Chinyelu fouled out in the final seconds and received a standing ovation, reflecting his expanding role under head coach Todd Golden.

Florida improved to 11 and 5 overall and 2 and 1 in SEC play, sweeping two ranked opponents in the same week after falling out of the AP Top 25. Perimeter shooting had been a season long concern, but the Gators made 9 of 30 three point attempts, enough to stretch the floor and open driving lanes. Florida closed the first half on a 10 to 0 run to build a 13 point halftime lead and never allowed Tennessee to close the gap in the second half.

With former Florida standouts Vernon Maxwell and Mike Miller in attendance, the Gators pushed the margin to 25 midway through the second half and controlled the remainder of the game through disciplined offense and consistent defensive pressure.

Tennessee dropped to 11 and 5 overall and 1 and 2 in conference play. Nate Ament led the Volunteers with 17 points and Ja’Kobi Gillespie added 12, but Tennessee struggled with efficiency, making six three pointers and committing 18 turnovers. Those mistakes repeatedly fueled Florida transition scoring and stalled any sustained momentum.

Under head coach Rick Barnes, the Volunteers now face early conference adversity as SEC play intensifies. Florida will look to build on this momentum Tuesday at Oklahoma, while Tennessee returns home to host Texas A&M, with both teams entering pivotal stretches of their conference schedules.