COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Tiffany Mitchell scored 22 points, Alaina Coates had her 13th double-double this season with 14 points and 11 rebounds and No. 2 South Carolina bounced back from its loss to top-ranked UConn with an 86-71 victory over No. 16 Florida on Thursday night.
The Gamecocks (23-1, 11-0 Southeastern Conference) overcame a sluggish start — likely a hangover from its 66-54 showdown loss to the Huskies here Monday night. They went on a 16-0 run in the second quarter to take control, up 35-16.
The Gators (19-5, 7-4) closed to 65-57 with seven minutes left when Coates had two inside baskets to restore South Carolina's double-digit lead.