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Final: Florida 69, Auburn 62

Greenville, SC – Behind a 19-2 run to open the second half and holding Auburn without a field goal over the last 3:16, the Florida Gators are advancing to the second round of the SEC Tournament.

Florida was led by senior Kiki Smith, who scored 19 points and only turned the ball over three times.

How It Happened:

The two teams played even through the first quarter and really, much of the first half. Auburn opened the game by scoring the first five points, but Florida quickly tied it up. Florida took their first lead after a trey by Danielle Rainey made it 12-10. The Tigers, however roared back and maintained a lead until a Faith Duty putback evened things at 16 before the buzzer.

The second quarter saw much of the same back and forth action. The Tigers hit the first trey of the second period, but Florida saw irs lead build to as many as five after a pair of free throws by Kristina Moore. The two teams entered the intermission with Florida possessing a 33-32 advantage.

That’s where the Gators turned it up a notch. Jordyn Merritt opened the scoring with an easy layup and Smith scored on three straight possessions during the 19-2 run. Florida built a 52-34 lead during the run, but almost immediately allowed Auburn back in it. The Tigers scored the final twelve points of the third and closed the gap to 52-46.

The final period opened with a Kiki Smith layup to end the run, but Auburn kept at it, led by senior Unique Thompson. Thompson made baskets three straight trips down the court and the Tigers not only erased the deficit, but took a 57-54 lead with 6:37 to play. The Gators then went on a three-point barrage as Moore and Rainey hit three straight to put Florida back ahead by six at 63-57. Florida finished the game with a swarming defense that only allowed two Thompson free throws over the final three-plus minutes of play.

Individual Stats:

• Smith: 19 P, 5 R, 4 A
• Rainey: 13 P, 3-6 3FG
• Moore: 11 P, 7 R, 3 A, 3 Blk
• Merritt: 9 P, 7 R, 2 Stl
• Rickards: 9 P, 7 R, 2 A

Team Stats:

• FG% : 47
• 3FG% : 35
• FT% : 71
• Reb +/- : +7
• Ast : 9
• TOs : 17
• Paint : 32
• Bench : 15

What’s Next:

Florida will face Kentucky in the second round of the SEC Tournament at Bon Secours Arena in Greenville, SC on Thursday. The game is scheduled for a 1:00 PM tip, but will be fluid due to the game preceding it. The Wildcats are 16-7 on the season and 9-7 in SEC play. Kentucky beat Florida 88-80 in Gainesville on February 15.