March 11, 2010
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Alex Tyus tallied 24 points, as the Florida Gators downed the Auburn Tigers, 78-69, in the first round of the SEC Tournament at Bridgestone Arena.
Tyus finished 11-of-16 from the floor and with five boards for Florida (21-11), the fourth seed out of the East Division. Chandler Parson added 21 points and six boards, while Vernon Macklin chipped in with 10 points. Up next for the Gators is a quarterfinal matchup with Mississippi State, the top seed from the West Division, on Friday.
Frankie Sullivan led Auburn (15-17), the West's fifth seed, and all scorers with a career-high 27 points. DeWayne Reed turned in 18 points and five assists, while Lucas Hargrove posted 11 points and nine rebounds.
Behind 55.6 percent shooting from the floor, Florida took a 40-31 lead to the locker room.
In the second stanza, the Gators buried 11 free throws and three three- pointers en route to the nine-point win.
Florida finished the game 7-of-15 from beyond the arc and 17-of-21 at the stripe.