Gators Top Tigers

Tony Barbee (AP Photo/Phil Sandlin)

Auburn couldn't sustain an outstanding defensive first half as the Florida Gators came back to win in Gainesville Tuesday night, 63-47. The Tigers led 30-27 at the half but the combination of a ratcheted up defensive game plan and hot 3-point shooting proved to be too much in the second half.

Arguably Auburn's biggest weapon, Kenny Gabriel, injured his lower back on two hard trips to the floor and was only able to manage 20 minutes. Gabriel's injury status will more than likely put him out for Auburn's next contest against Arkansas.

Only one Tiger managed to score in double digits, Adrian Forbes with 11. Shooting was especially abysmal in the second half, ending up just barely north of 30 percent.

"You're not going to beat an explosive team like Florida when you're not knocking down shots,"    Barbee said.

Auburn allowed Florida to shoot 53 percent from the field, including 52 percent from 3-point range (11 of 21). Florida guard Kenny Boynton scored 20 points, going 6 of 9 from behind the arc.

Auburn fell to 14-13 (4-9 SEC) on the season. The Tigers hit the court this Saturday against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Auburn Arena. Tip off of is slated for 3:00pm CT and will be televised on the SEC Network.

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