The Florida Gators saw its school record 17-game winning streak come to an end Saturday at the hands of the Vanderbilt Commodores.  Vanderbilt, ranked second in the SEC East overcame early foul trouble and a fast Florida start to beat the number one team in the nation in front of a sold-out, Nashville crowd.

Vanderbilt was carried by the hot shooting of both Shan Foster and Derrick Byars, who each scored 24 points. They were a combined 20-for-35 from the floor. 

Florida often looked out of control, thanks to a pesky Vandy defense.  Florida committed 23 turnovers and shot 44 %, well below their NCAA-leading season average of 53.7%. Vanderbilt shot a season high 56% against a usually stifling Florida defense and assisted on nearly 70% of its baskets.

Every time Florida seemed poised to make a run in the second half, Vanderbilt had an answer.  Maybe this was the loss Florida needed going into the tournament.  Regardless, Florida will likely lose its number one ranking come Monday.

The game also featured by an unlikely altercation between Joakim Noah and Vanderbilt head coach Kevin Stallings.  As the basketball went out of bounds midway through the second half, Stallings caught it, held on to it, then swatted Noah’s arm as he reached to take it out of his hands.  No technical fouls were called.

Chants of “over-rated” poured from the rafters as Vanderbilt sealed the victory.  Their fans stormed the floor shortly thereafter.  Each team has four games left to finish their conference schedules and will likely finish one and two in the SEC’s Eastern division.