Feb. 4, 2009

Final Stats

GAINESVILLE, Fla (AP) – Nick Calathes scored 22 points, Alex Tyus added 19 and Florida avenged a disheartening loss to South Carolina two weeks ago with a 97-93 victory on Tuesday night.

The Gators lost the previous meeting mostly because of two missed free throws in the closing seconds. The Gamecocks returned the favor in the rematch, finishing 10 of 22 from the stripe.

Florida (19-4, 6-2 Southeastern Conference) won for the 13th time in its past 15 games, snapped South Carolina’s four-game winning streak – and with help from Mississippi State – took over sole possession in the Eastern Division. The Bulldogs upset Kentucky 66-57 earlier Tuesday.

Devan Downey led South Carolina (16-5, 5-3) with 33 points. Zam Frederick added 17 and Dominique Archie chipped in 16.

Erving Walker finished with a career-high 18 for the Gators.