Erving Walker scored 14 of his 16 points in the second half Thursday night to lead the Florida Gators (16-6, 5-3) past Alabama (13-9, 3-5) 66-65.
Despite getting 19 points from Alex Tyus, 15 from Kenny Boynton, 16 from Walker, and shooting 50% from the field, the Gators had a hard time closing out the Tide.
Leading 64-60 with 1:59 left, Anthony Brock stole the ball from Walker and scored after contact on the other end. After Brock knocked down the free throw, the Tide played tight defense and forced a poor shot by Walker. JaMychal Green got the rebound and eventually found Mikhail Torrance on the other end for the deuce to put the tide up 65-64.
After a Florida timeout, Walker again took a poor shot, but got lucky when Boynton was in position for the offensive rebound.
After another Florida timeout, Walker took the ball up top, blew by his defender, and scored to put the Gators up 66-65.
Torrance, who led all scorers with 22, missed a layup with 3 seconds left, and the Gators were able to deflect the following inbounds pass away to run out the clock.