Mitchell scores 20, Coates gets 8th double-double as 4th-ranked Gamecocks defeat Florida 69-55

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South Carolina's Elam Ibiam (33) takes attempts a shot as Florida's Jaterra Bonds and Lily Svete, right, defend during the first half of their NCAA women's college basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain) (The Associated Press)

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South Carolina's Alaina Coates (41) drives for the basket as Florida's Jaterra Bonds (10) tries to block during the first half of their NCAA women's college basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain) (The Associated Press)

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Tiffany Mitchell scored 20 points, Alaina Coates added 16 points and 12 rebounds as No. 4 South Carolina won its ninth straight game with a 69-55 victory over Florida on Sunday.

The Gamecocks (25-2, 13-1 Southeastern Conference) matched their overall win totals of the past two seasons and won their record 13th game in SEC play. Not that this one came easily as South Carolina struggled with Florida's swarming defense throughout the contest.

The Gamecocks led by 16 points midway through the second period until Florida rallied with an 13-3 run that cut things to 49-43 with 5:19 left. But Mitchell followed with a open 3-pointer from the left corner before Aleighsa Welch and Coates had inside baskets to restore the double-digit lead.

Once more the Gators (17-10, 7-7) fought back to trim the lead to 58-51 and again Mitchell's jumper and foul shot put the Gamecocks ahead 61-51.