Despite trailing for much of the game, Florida fought back against the Ole Miss Rebels and escaped Oxford with a four-point win on Thursday night. The Gators immediately found themselves in a 20-4 hole early, as they went cold from outside and could get no offensive rhythm going against Andy Kennedy's squad. The Rebels, meanwhile, were on fire, hitting three after three and finishing off the half with 38 points and a ten-point lead.
But Florida would continue to claw back over the course of the second, limiting Ole Miss to just 22 points and taking the lead for good with a little under six minutes to play. Erving Walker had a solid game for the Gators, finishing with 10 points and nine assists to lead Florida back. Patric Young added 15 points and Kenny Boynton had 12, as it was a slow-paced slog. But the Billy Donovan's team persisted, fighting back to improve to 4-1 in the SEC.
They now host the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon. MSU comes to town as the No. 16 team in the country.
For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Gators, visit SB Nation's Florida blog, Alligator Army. For the perspective from the other side, visit SB Nation's Ole Miss blog, Red Cup Rebellion. For all your college hoops news, be sure to check out SB Nation's college basketball hub.