Making 15 of 53 shots was enough for the Gators on Thursday night as Florida defeated Auburn 45-40. 

The Gators (14-4, 3-1) never controlled the game against the Tigers (7-11, 0-4) until the final minutes. Instead, Florida spent the game shooting jumpers in the first 10 seconds of the shot clock and hoping that their talent would beat Auburn's total lack of talent. Auburn helped the Gators cause by shooting 18-48 (37.5 percent) and only attempting eight free throws and missing seven. That made Florida's 10-14 performance at the line an outstanding performance.

Erving Walker led the Gators with 12 points on 3-15 shooting. Walker also had five rebounds. Kenny Boynton scored nine points, shooting 3-13 from the field. Walker was the only Gator in double figures scoring. Alex Tyus scored seven points, Vernon Macklin scored six, Scottie Wilbekin had five, Chandler Parsons scored four and Patric Young (who started for the strep throated Macklin) had two.

Florida's next game is Saturday night against Arkansas (12-5, 2-2). Arkansas' last game was an 81-74 loss to South Carolina in overtime.