GAINESVILLE, Fla., Feb. 12 (UPI) -- Justin Hamilton and freshman Anthony Roberson sparked a huge run in the second half and reserve Bonell Colas scored 14 points Wednesday night as fifth-ranked Florida cruised to a 74-55 Southeastern Conference victory over Mississippi.
Florida (20-3, 9-1 SEC East) is off to the best start in school history, eclipsing 19-4 starts by last year's team and the 1993-94 squad. The Gators extended their home winning streak to 17 games.
The Gators also became the first team in the SEC to reach 20 victories.
Mississippi (12-9, 3-7 West) bolted to a 16-8 lead on a steal and a dunk by Aaron Harper with 12:41 remaining before halftime. The Gators responded with 12 straight points and did not trail the rest of the way.
Hamilton scored the first five points of a 20-0 run that opened up a 53-31 cushion. Roberson had a three-point play and a three-pointer in the spurt which helped bury the Rebels.
Florida improved to 5-0 against West division opponents this season, winning by an average of 14.8 points.
