Macklin scores 22, Walker hits late free throws to lift Florida past Ole Miss 64-61

Macklin, Walker lifts Florida past Ole Miss 64-61

OXFORD, Miss. — Vernon Macklin scored a career-high 22 points and Erving Walker converted six consecutive free throws in the final 41 seconds as Florida defeated Mississippi 64-61 on Saturday.

The Gators (19-8, 8-4 Southeastern Conference) converted a season-best 25 of 27 free throws, 93 percent, to earn the edge in a battle of teams on the NCAA Tournament bubble. Chandler Parsons scored 13 points and Walker added 10 for Florida.

Terrance Henry led Ole Miss (17-9, 5-7) with 17 points and Chris Warren had 14 points. The Rebels, who were ranked No. 14 in mid-January, have lost five of their last six contests.

Florida took a 58-56 lead with 58 seconds left on Kenny Boynton’s layup after a steal by Alex Tyus. The Gators closed it out on their final three possessions as Walker converted six free throws.

Terrico White missed a potential game-tying 3-point shot at the buzzer.