Jones' career night helps Vanderbilt beat Florida 87-74
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Damian Jones scored a career-high 27 points, Jeff Roberson added 18 points and 10 rebounds and Vanderbilt beat Florida 87-74 Tuesday night for a resume-building road win that should bolster the Commodores' NCAA Tournament chances.
Wade Baldwin IV chipped in 13 for Vanderbilt (17-11, 9-6 Southeastern Conference), which won for the fourth time in five games. Coach Kevin Stalling's team also snapped a four-game skid in Gainesville.
Although the Gators (17-11, 8-7) had no answer for Jones inside — he made 12 of 13 shots — the biggest difference may have been two circus shots the Commodores made.
Trailing 37-35 in the final seconds of the first half, Florida looked like it would tie the game. But Schuyler Rimmer had an easy layup blocked, and Josh Henderson tossed in an 80-footer at the buzzer. Vandy hit one nearly as improbable in the second half, when Matthew Fisher-Davis banked in a deep, contested 3-pointer as the shot-clock expired.
Justin Leon led Florida with 16 points, John Egbunu added 14, and Devin Robinson finished with 11.
Florida's biggest problem was defense.
Vanderbilt shot 57.7 percent — by far the highest percentage the Gators have given up this season. The Commodores finished 10 of 20 from 3-point range.
Despite those gaudy numbers, Florida still had plenty of chances.
Trailing 69-67, the Gators had at least five attempts to tie or take the lead. Eventually, Vandy took over and put the game away with a 14-2 run.
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TIP-INS
Vanderbilt: Swept the season series. ... Now has four big wins, against Alabama, Texas A&M and two against Florida.
Florida: Guard Kasey Hill wore a plastic mask to protect his broken nose in the first half, but removed it at the break. ... Extended its 3-point streak to 824 games, which dates to 1992.
UP NEXT
Vanderbilt hosts No. 16 Kentucky on Saturday.
Florida plays at LSU on Saturday.