Matt Stamey/Staff Photographer/File
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- After a promising SEC start, Florida was hit with a harsh dose of reality Wednesday night.
The Gators were out-hustled and out-muscled in a disheartening 83-69 loss at Tennessee.
Florida trailed by as many as 30 points in the second half. Tennessee jumped out to a quick start, outscoring Florida 16-0 off turnovers in the first half to take a 53-31 halftime lead.
Undersized Tennessee outrebounded Florida 49-40 and outscored the Gators 32-24 in the paint.
The Gators had no answer to stop Tennessee senior guard Kevin Punter, who led the Vols (8-6, 1-1 SEC) with 26 points, eight rebounds and four assists.