COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Florida continued to solidify its postseason prospects with a 65-41 win over South Carolina on Saturday.
The Gators (17-8, 8-4 SEC) never fell off the NCAA Tournament bubble but losing three of four games before beating LSU earlier in the week dropped them from the Top 25 and lessened their chances of winning the SEC regular-season championship. After the slump-breaking win over the Tigers, Florida crushed the Gamecocks (13-12, 4-8) at Colonial Life Arena by dominating the paint.
Florida's defense blocked eight shots in the first half and contained center Chris Silva, the anchor of the Gamecocks' offense.