NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Jordan Jones scored 17 points as eighth-seeded
Florida beat ninth-seeded Auburn 70-60 on Thursday in the first round
of the Southeastern Conference tournament.
The game marked the end of Auburn coach Nell Fortner's career.
Fortner announced on Feb. 21 she was retiring after her eighth season
with the Tigers and 18th year as a head coach.
The Gators (19-11) led by as many as 18 points in the second half and held a 57-41 lead when Hasina Muhammad tipped in a shot for Auburn. That basket launched a 10-2 run that cut Florida's lead to eight points with 2:46 to play, but the Tigers wouldn't get any closer.
Florida scored 20 points off 13 Auburn turnovers. The Gators gave away the ball 14 times, but those turnovers only led to eight points for the Tigers (13-17).
Muhammad led Auburn with 20 points.
Florida will face top-seeded Kentucky on Friday.
The Gators (19-11) led by as many as 18 points in the second half and held a 57-41 lead when Hasina Muhammad tipped in a shot for Auburn. That basket launched a 10-2 run that cut Florida's lead to eight points with 2:46 to play, but the Tigers wouldn't get any closer.
Florida scored 20 points off 13 Auburn turnovers. The Gators gave away the ball 14 times, but those turnovers only led to eight points for the Tigers (13-17).
Muhammad led Auburn with 20 points.
Florida will face top-seeded Kentucky on Friday.
