Tyree Appleby looked stuck near the top of the key with less than ten seconds remaining but managed to get the ball inside to Colin Castleton, who found a wide open Phlandrous Fleming. Fleming, who had come up with a monster block of Scottie Pippen, Jr. just a few possessions earlier, released quickly and watched the shot find nothing but twine to put the Gators ahead 80-78.
Castleton continued the roll he’s been on, finishing with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Fleming added 16 points, 4 rebounds, and six assists.
Florida trailed by as much as nine in the second half but managed to score the final nine points of the game to secure the win and keep their tournament hopes alive with a quadrant one victory in Nashville against Vanderbilt.
The Gators made 52% from the floor, but allowed Vandy to knock down fifteen three-pointers.
Myreon Jones (13) and Appleby (12) also finished in double figures as Florida topped Vanderbilt for the ninth straight time.
Florida will face No. 7 Kentucky to complete the regular season on Saturday.