SEC Basketball: Nearly undefeated in the first round of NCAA Tournament

By Matt Green | Mar 18, 2017

Mar 17, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles guard Andrew Rowsey (30) handles the ball against South Carolina Gamecocks guard Rakym Felder (4) in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 16, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida Gators forward Kevarrius Hayes (13) dunks against the East Tennessee State Buccaneers during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Florida

Florida got the SEC’s first win of the tournament, when they fought off an upset bid from East Tennessee State to win 80-65. The Gators held a slim 33-32 lead at halftime, but turned it up in the second half and outscored the Buccaneers 47-33 in the final 20 minutes.

Devin Robinson led the way with 24 points, while Kevarrius Hayes grabbed 6 of the Gators’ 12 steals.

Florida will face the 5-seed Virginia in the second round.

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