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Gators Hold Off Late Surge By Auburn

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By MIKE DiFERDINANDO

Tribune correspondent

Published: January 15, 2009

AUBURN, Ala. - Erving Walker hit back-to-back 3-pointers and set up another with a pass to Walter Hodge in the final 4:12 Wednesday, leading the University of Florida men's basketball team to a 68-65 victory against Auburn.

The victory was the 300th for UF coach Billy Donovan and the ninth in a row for the Gators (15-2, 2-0 Southeastern Conference).

Nick Calathes had 17 points and made three of four free throws in the final 19 seconds to overcome a late surge by Auburn (10-6, 0-2).

"I like taking the big shot," Walker said. "I love playing with the crowd against me."

Walker managed to sink the game's biggest shots and found Hodge for the game-winner despite being saddled with flu-like symptoms.

"I'm dying," Walker said after the game. "My throat's killing me and my body just feels cold."

Walker, who finished the night with 9 points, said that he wanted the ball in his hands late in the game.

"In that situation, I wasn't thinking about my sickness," Walker said. "I knew we needed those shots."

After having their back broken on the boards by Mississippi, the UF frontcourt finally may have found its spine.

Wednesday, the Gators outrebounded Auburn 46-36 and may have won back some of the pride they had given away to Mississippi.

"We had some tough practices after that game and we know that needs to be our focus," Alex Tyus said.

While Kenny Kadji has struggled to find consistency this season, he showed once again he can provide the Gators with another solid option inside. The freshman scored 11 points and grabbed eight boards in the win.

"As long as Kenny's mind is right, he's a really good player," Tyus said. "He's really starting to come along."

Rasheem Barrett led the Tigers with 15 points.

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