The Gators used a strong 1st half of shooting (67 percent from the field and 64 percent from 3-point land) to open up a 12-point lead at the break and held on for the 85-82 victory over South Carolina.

Florida improved to 20-5 overall, 7-5 in the SEC. All five starters scored in double figures as Florida led by as man as 17 in the 2nd half. Marreese Speights went for a double-double scoring 10 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.

Dan Werner hit 3 of his 5 3-point attempts and connected on 5 of his 7 shots overall from the field to total 15 points. Nick Calathes led the team in scoring going for 17 points on 6 of 11 shooting from the field. Calathes also dished out 7 assists.

Walter hodge scored in double figures for the 4th straight game (15th overall this season) scoring 14 points. Four of Hodge's five baskets came from 3-point land. Jai Lucas added 11 points.

Adam Allen came off the bench and connected on all three of his 3-point shots.

Florida has the weekend off from game action before returning to SEC play at Georgia, Wed. February 27.