Short-handed Florida beats Mississippi State 80-72
Associated PressThe AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Anthony Duruji scored 18 of his career-high 22 points in the second half, Tyree Appleby added 17 points with four 3-pointers and short-handed Florida rallied to beat Mississippi State 80-72 on Wednesday night. The Gators struggled in the first half without Castleton, a 6-foot-11 forward averaging 15.4 points and 9.1 rebounds, getting outscored 18-6 in the paint and trailing 41-35. Phlandrous Fleming Jr. gave Florida its first lead of the second half — and first since 23-22 — with two free throws to make it 67-66 with 4:58 left. The Gators scored 14 straight during the run, and Mississippi State only made four field goals in the final 10 minutes — with two coming in the final minute.