Parsons scores 17, Gators beat Auburn 78-70 to snap 2-game slide

Florida beats Auburn 78-70, snaps losing streak

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Chandler Parsons scored 17 points, Erving Walker added 14 and Florida beat Auburn 78-70 Thursday night despite not making a field goal in the final 8:24.

Alex Tyus chipped in 12 points and seven rebounds for the Gators, who snapped a two-game losing streak and improved their chances of making the NCAA tournament.

Florida (18-8, 7-4 Southeastern Conference) could gain more control of its postseason hopes with wins at Mississippi on Saturday and against No. 20 Tennessee next week.

DeWayne Reed led the Tigers (12-14, 3-8) with 22 points before fouling out with 19.2 seconds remaining. Tay Waller added 13 for Auburn, which missed 22 of 29 shots from 3-point range and fell to 1-5 against the league’s Eastern Division.