KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Eleanna Christinaki had 18 points, eight assists and six rebounds Thursday night as Florida withstood its coach's absence and capitalized on Tennessee's poor shooting in a 74-66 victory over the 12th-ranked Lady Volunteers.
Florida coach Amanda Butler wasn't with the Gators, and assistant Shimmy Gray-Miller served as acting head coach. Florida athletic department spokesperson Kathy Cafazzo said Butler was dealing with a family emergency.
Florida (13-2, 1-1 SEC) ended an 11-game losing streak in this series and beat the Lady Vols for the first time since a 66-57 decision on Feb. 8, 2009. Tennessee (10-4, 1-1) leads the all-time series 48-4.