NASHVILLE, Tenn. - -The team managers may have left Xavian Lee’s jersey in Gainesville, but that did not stop him from having a season high 20 points in SEC play. He added six rebounds and two assists to his total while wearing a NO. 99 jersey with no name on the back.
Florida center Rueben Chinyelu dominated with a 20 point double-double. Chinyelu’s defense was on full display as he posted three blocks. He helped propel the Gators to a 40-26 rebound advantage over Vanderbilt with his ten rebound performance.
Florida guard Boogie Fland’s jersey also got left in Gainesville. He was held in check with only seven points and three assists while wearing his teammate Cooper Josefsberg’s jersey.
Vanderbilt’s Jalen Washington hit a buzzer beater before the end of the first half to put the Commodores up 45-44.
The second half was a back and forth battle that saw neither team maintain control. Florida put together key stops on defense, and got two clutch free throws from Alex Condon to pull out the win.
Both teams had five players with double digit points.
Vanderbilt’s Tyler Tanner put up an impressive 20 point, three rebound, five assist game. Tyler Nickel put up a strong performance as well with 14 points and three blocks for the Commodores.
Florida is now on a four game win streak, and moved up to NO. 16 in this week's rankings. They are 13-5 and 4-1 in SEC play. They will host unranked LSU on Tuesday.
Vanderbilt now moves to 16-2 on the season and 3-2 in SEC play. They dropped to NO. 15 in this week's rankings. They will travel to Fayetteville to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks on Tuesday.
