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Gators Struggle To Hold Off Gamecocks, 97-93

The Associated Press

Florida's Nick Calathes knocks the ball loose from South Carolina's Zam Fredrick during the first half.

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By MIKE DiFERDINANDO

Tribune Correspondent

Published: February 4, 2009

GAINESVILLE - With a hot hand and an icy glare, Erving Walker led Florida on the road to redemption.

The freshman, who turned the ball over five times during the Gators' last meeting with the Gamecocks, finished with a career high 18 points and four assists while knocking down four shots from 3-point range Tuesday as Florida beat South Carolina, 97-93.

The Gators (19-4, 6-2 Southeastern Conference) had six players score in double figures on a night when the game was tied on 17 separate occasions.

With the victory and Kentucky's 66-57 loss to Mississippi State earlier Tuesday night, Florida now has sole possession of the lead in the SEC East.

South Carolina (16-5, 5-3) had won four straight coming into the game.

Chandler Parsons cried in the locker room after the Gators' loss to the Gamecocks on Jan. 21.

As he walked off the court Tuesday night, the sophomore couldn't help but crack a smile.

Parsons finished the game with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Alex Tyus stood tall in the paint, scoring 19 points and grabbing seven rebounds

The two teams traded baskets in a first half that saw UF take a 49-45 lead into the locker room.

But South Carolina started the second with a 7-2 run that allowed the Gamecocks to take back the lead 52-51.

With the scored tied at 72, UF went on 5-0 run that gave the Gators the lead again. They wouldn't give it up again.

South Carolina turned the ball over 17 times, while Florida capitalized on Gamecock fouls and controlled the game down the stretch.

Guard Devan Downey kept the Gamecocks alive down the stretch, scoring 33 points and going 7-for-9 from 3-point range.

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