AUBURN, Ala. – Erving Walker scored five points over the final 1:11 to help rescue cold-shooting Florida in a 45-40 win over Auburn on Thursday night.
The Gators (14-4, 3-1 Southeastern Conference) hit just 28 percent from the floor but scored the final eight points to avoid an embarrassing loss.
Kenny Boynton buried one 3-pointer to tie it with 1:50 left and then Walker — who missed his first six attempts — finally hit one for a 43-40 lead.
Earnest Ross was called for a charge at the other end after an out-of-control drive for the Tigers (7-11, 0-4), but Walker's off-balance jumper hit the side of the backboard to give the Tigers a chance to tie it with 20 seconds to play.
Ross fired up an off-balance 3 from the corner that was short, and Walker put the game away with two free throws in the final seconds.
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