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UF's Shooters Slump In Loss To MSU

The Associated Press

Published: March 5, 2009

Updated: 03/05/2009 12:56 am

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STARKVILLE, Miss. - Ravern Johnson scored 15 points to lead Mississippi State to an 80-71 victory against Florida on Wednesday night, ending the Gators' hopes of capturing the Southeastern Conference East crown.

The win puts Mississippi State (18-12, 8-7) back into contention to finish second in the SEC West. The Bulldogs will close out the regular season at Ole Miss on Saturday.

The Gators (21-9, 8-7) were 29 of 65 from the field, but only 7-for-25 from the 3-point line.

The Bulldogs ended a five-game shooting slump by hitting 50.4 percent of their field goals, including 10 of 20 on 3-pointers. Mississippi State also outrebounded Florida 38-34.

After 10 lead changes, Mississippi State ended the first half on a 7-0 run and led 42-33 at halftime.

The Bulldogs never trailed in the second half and led by as many as 16 points on back-to-back buckets by Elgin Bailey and Twany Beckham with 7 minutes remaining.

Walter Hodge paced the Gators with 20 points, going eight of 13 from the field. Alex Tyus had 16 points, Nick Calathes added 11 points and Dan Werner chipped in 10.

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