No. 1 Gators Win Their 17th Straight
GAINESVILLE, FLA. — Taurean Green scored 20 points in the second half and no. 1 Florida overcame an 18-point deficit to beat no. 25 Alabama 76–67 last night and extend the nation's longest winning streak to 17 games.
The Gators were down 22–4 early in the first half and 42–31 at the break. Not coincidentally, Green was 0-for-6 from the field and 0-for-5 from 3-point range in the first half. He was a different player after halftime — and Florida looked much more like the defending national champion.
Green, the team's leading scorer and point guard, made six of seven attempts in the second half and helped rally the Gators (24–2, 11–0 Southeastern Conference), who matched a school record for consecutive wins.
The Tide (18–7, 5–6) dropped to 1–5 on the road in conference play.
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Greg Oden had 15 points and 10 rebounds to help no. 2 Ohio State hold off Penn State, 64–62 last night, for its 10th straight win.
It wasn't easy. The Buckeyes (23–3, 11–1 Big Ten) led 40–19 at the half and led by as many as 24 in the second half before Penn State stormed back.
Jamelle Cornley finished a break with a layup, Mike Walker nailed a 3-pointer and Geary Claxton hit two free throws to get Penn State (10–14, 1–10) within 64–62 with 11 seconds left.
