5. Florida Gators - 18-3 (5-3 SEC)
The week started off strong for the Gators, as they took on Georgia at home. An early offensively explosion turned it into a blowout, as Florida scored 51 points in the first half to win, 89-59. Five players had at least 13 points, led by guards Walter Clayton and Alijah Martin with 17 each. Big man Thomas Haugh produced 13 points and 11 rebounds off the bench in his own right.
The big game was on Saturday, with Florida taking on Tennessee on the road. And they got some good news before the game, as starters Zakai Ziegler and Igor Milicic were both sidelined. It was a close game early, but Florida’s offense just never got into gear, falling 64-44 in the top-10 battle.
Clayton led the team with 10 points, even while missing some time with an injury in the game. But as a team, Florida shot just 25% from the field and went 4/27 from three-point range. It was truly an all-around off-game for the Gators, unable to get the season sweep over the Vols.
Florida just started its toughest stretch of SEC play with three more AP-ranked opponents. Up next is Vanderbilt at home, followed by a road battle at No. 1 Auburn in their lone matchup of the season.