FINAL: FLORIDA 57, MISSISSIPPI STATE 52
| 1st | 2nd | OT | FINAL | |
| FLORIDA | 32 | 25 | X | 57 |
| MS ST | 24 | 28 | X | 52 |
STARKVILLE, MS- On Saturday Florida defeated Mississippi State in an overall ugly game 57-52 to improve to 22-5 on the season. Florida only managed half of the points they scored in their midweek win at Auburn. The Gators were playing their first game since center John Egbunu was lost for the season with a torn ACL. Florida had to rely on tough defense and the play of sophomore Kevarrius Hayes.
Hayes, taking on Egbunu’s role, scored 9 points and added 10 rebounds and blocked four Bulldogs shots including one in the final crucial minute of play. Junior Chris Chiozza scored 14 points to lead the Gators while KeVaughn Allen added 11 points. Junior Devin Robinson failed to score a point, but added 10 rebounds to help Florida’s cause. Canyon Barry scored seven points, but was taken out for the remainder of the game after a foot injury. Barry was on the bench asking to come back in, so the injury does appear to be minor.
The Bulldogs were led by Quinndary Weatherspoon with 17 points. No other Mississippi State player scored in double figures.
Florida has won eight in a row which is the longest streak in head coach Mike White’s tenure at Florida. The Gators remain atop the SEC standings with Kentucky. Florida will play Tuesday night against South Carolina in a rematch of one of Florida’s two conference losses.
ATTENDANCE: 10,732
RECORDS:
- FLORIDA: 22-5 (12-2 SEC)
- MISSISSIPPI STATE: 24-12 (5-9 SEC)
Team Stats:
| FLORIDA | MS ST | |
| FG % | 39 | 36 |
| 3-PT % | 28 | 9 |
| FT % | 63 | 46 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 11 | 12 |
| Total Rebounds | 42 | 38 |
| Assists | 5 | 8 |
| Steals | 3 | 7 |
| Blocks | 6 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 12 |
What’s Next:
FLORIDA GATORS vs SOUTH CAROLINA
FEBRUARY 21, 2017 at 7:00 PM
ESPN