Volunteers Rout Gators

Lofton leads Tennessee to best start in school history
By Doug Sweeney,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 6, 2008 1:08 AM CST
Volunteers Rout Gators
Tennessee basketball coach Bruce Pearl calls out a play to his players from the bench against Mississippi State in the first half of their college basketball game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008. No. 7 Tennesse defeated Mississippi State, 76-71. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)   (Associated Press)

Chris Lofton drained six 3-pointers on his way to 26 points as No. 7 Tennessee roughed up Florida 104-82. The Gators actually led by as many 13 points in the first half, and were up 48-44 at the break, but the Volunteers came out firing in the second half, outscoring Florida 60-34 in the period, according to the Associated Press.

Tyler Smith and JaJuan Smith each scored 23 points for Tennessee, who improved to 7-1 in the Southeastern Conference and 20-2 overall. That record is the best start in school history. Marreese Speights led the Gators with 23 points and nine rebounds. Florida has now lost three of their last four road games, falling to 5-3 overall in league play. (More basketball stories.)

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