“This game was real important,” Keyontae Johnson spoke following the game.

Johnson led the way for the Gators with his fourth 20-point performance this season. He and his sidekick Noah Locke, helped Florida (13-8) end its three game skid. Locke nailed five three point shots, finishing with 17 points, as the blue and orange topped the black and gold on Saturday night. The final score was 61-55.

Vandy had a late spurt in the second half, getting the home crowd riled up a bit, but to no avail. Saben Lee’s layup cut the margin to 58-53 with 23 seconds left. Too little, too late. The Gators would have been lost without Johnson, who went seven of 11 from the floor. He was also four of five from the stripe. Florida desperately needed a win, and they got it. This is their third straight win versus Vandy, and their fourth in the last five meetings.

“Everything fell our way,” stated Locke.

Florida took charge early, going on a 10-0 run. It was doom and gloom from there. Although injury-plagued, the Commodores continue to struggle. Vanderbilt (8-13) committed 17 turnovers as they suffered their ninth straight loss, as well as their 26th consecutive SEC loss, adding to their dubious league record.

Scotty Pippen Jr. led all scorers for the Commodores with 15 points. Lee added 11.

The black and gold will be back in action on Wednesday night, February 5, as they host No. 22 LSU, who have won 10 straight.