Jonas Aidoo’s Double-Double Seals Overtime Win – Rick Barnes Praises Grit After Gators Standoff

In a high-stakes SEC clash, Jonas Aidoo delivered a career-defining performance for the Tennessee Volunteers, notching 18 points and 14 rebounds in a thrilling overtime win against the Florida Gators. With both teams battling for seeding in the conference tournament, Aidoo’s dominance in the paint was the difference-maker. His putback dunk in the final minute of overtime sealed the 82-77 victory, sending Thompson-Boling Arena into a frenzy. “Jonas played like a man possessed,” said head coach Rick Barnes. “He’s always had the tools—tonight, he showed the heart.” Aidoo’s development has been a major storyline this season, and with this performance, he may have just solidified himself as Tennessee’s interior anchor heading into March Madness. Teammate Zakai Zeigler praised Aidoo’s hustle and composure, noting, “He bailed us out when it mattered most.” The win avenged an earlier loss to the Gators and keeps Tennessee in strong contention for a top-4 NCAA tournament seed. Fans chanted Aidoo’s name as he walked off the court, holding back tears of joy. For a team that prides itself on toughness and defense, Aidoo’s emergence might be the piece that takes them from Sweet 16 hopefuls to legitimate Final Four contenders.