Knecht goes off again, has 39 in Vols’ win over

Jan 16, 2024, 10:29 PM ET

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.– Dalton Knecht scored a career-high 39 points and had 8 rebounds to lead No. 6 Tennessee past Florida 85-66 on Tuesday.Jonas Aidoo had

19 points and a team-high 10 rebounds to help the Volunteers (13-4, 3-1 Southeastern Conference)win their 12th straight in the house.”At any time Jonas is aggressive and locked

in, he’s a major element,”said Tennessee coach Rick Barnes.” The guys are beginning to understand each other where they need the ball.”Knecht balanced 32 points in two games recently as he

captured SEC Co-Player of the Week honors. He’s the first SEC player with 75 points in a 2-game span because Jodie Meeks for Kentucky in Jan. 2009, according to ESPN Stats & Details research study. Meeks had a 54-point game in that span.”I’m just playing with self-confidence,”Knecht stated.

“It’s a lot much easier with my colleagues. It’s a lot of hard work. My teammates make it incredibly easy. “Knecht shot 13 of 23 general consisting of

4 of 6 on 3-pointers and made all nine of his totally free throws. “He’s been doing that to everyone,”said Florida coach Todd Golden.” He did a lot in transition and broken plays. We weren’t sufficient to safeguard the rim. “The Gators(11-6, 1-3 ), who haven’t won in

Knoxville because 2014, were led by Walter Clayton Jr. with 16 points and Riley Kugel with 12. Tyrese Samuel had 10 points and a game-high 11 rebounds and Zyon Pullin scored 11. “I thought we got our chances at the rim,”Golden said.”We didn’t match their physicality.(The Vols)have fun with an edge in the house.”Florida was limited to 29 %shooting from the field(20 of 68 ).”They’re an impressive offensive group,”Barnes stated of the Gators.” They are among the fastest groups in the nation. When you hold a team to 29%, you’re doing an excellent job.”Knecht struck 9 of 10 basket– consisting of 3 3-pointers– and scored 22 points in the very first half as Tennessee jumped to a 44-32 halftime lead. A 12-3 run midway through the half gave the Vols some breathing space. Kugel had 10 to lead the Gators in the half. “We’re just feeding off the crowd,”said Knecht. “It starts with our defense: Make a stop and score.”Florida might not make up the

deficit.”You don’t wish to fall back against this team,”Golden said.”They’re very disciplined. They’re not going to make mistakes

.”The game began 2 hours early because of unsafe weather condition conditions.The Associated Press contributed to this story.