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Struggling Gators seek SEC tourney salvation

 
Jon Horford drunks during a game against Tennessee at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center in February in Gainesville. [AP photo]
Jon Horford drunks during a game against Tennessee at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center in February in Gainesville. [AP photo]
Published March 12, 2015

GAINESVILLE — Last year at this time, Florida was preparing to begin a postseason run that included an SEC tournament title and a Final Four appearance. This year, the Gators have won 15 games, eight in conference play.

But when Florida (15-16) plays Alabama (18-13) at 1 p.m. today in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament, the goal will be the same regardless of the record, coach Billy Donovan said.

"Obviously the goal (is) to try to win," coach Billy Donovan said. "I don't think we're going in with any different agenda of what it would be if it was last year's team. We're going in there to play Alabama and see if we can move, and advance, and play on Friday. So in order for us to do that, we'll have to continue to grow and get better as a group."

This is the third time in four seasons the Gators and Tide will meet in the SEC tourney. UF has won the past 10 meetings against Alabama, including 52-50 in Tuscaloosa in January. The Gators need a strong showing this week to have an opportunity to be invited to the NIT, but the players said that's not the focus.

"You don't want to lose and then be done with the rest of your season this early, but you just have to prepare and get ready for Alabama," sophomore guard Kasey Hill said.

Wednesday's game

NASHVILLE — K.C. Ross-Miller scored 21 as Auburn beat Mississippi State 74-68 in the conference tournament opener to snap two skids.

The 13th-seeded Tigers (13-19) had lost six straight going into the postseason, and they hadn't won in the SEC tournament since 2009. Now they play No. 5 seed Texas A&M this afternoon.

KT Harrell added 19 points for Auburn, and reserve Alex Thompson scored a career-high 16, hitting all three of his 3-pointers.

Mississippi State rallied after trailing by 11 points and last led 65-64 on Craig Sword's dunk with 4:17 left. The Bulldogs hit only one more shot down the stretch as Auburn finished the game on a 10-3 run.

Auburn took control right before the buzzer at the end of the first half. Harrell ended a 10-2 run by Mississippi State with a 3 to pull the Tigers within 36-34 at halftime.