The No. 2 Florida Gators defeated the LSU Tigers 79-65 Saturday evening in the PMAC, making it their sixth straight win. 

The Gators got off to a quick start early in the first half, forcing the Tigers to play at their pace. Florida Center Rueben Chinyelo was a dominant force on both sides of the ball, putting up 19 points and grabbing 13 rebounds off the glass.

The Tigers had to make adjustments to their player rotation as the Gators’ physicality continued to cause trouble in the paint.

Coming off the bench, LSU Freshman Forward Robert Miller III was able to make big plays to keep the Tigers in the game. Miller scored 19 points and remained active on the defensive glass with eight rebounds. Guard Mike Williams III shot 3-6 from the three-point line, the best he’s shot it all season.

With solid performances from both Miller and Williams and back-to-back missed shots by the Gators, the Tigers rallied to go into the half with a 37-31 lead, keeping LSU fans on their feet. 

The lead, however, was short-lived when the Gators returned to the court in the second half.

A series of turnovers and the lack of efficient rebounding ended all hopes of an upset win in Baton Rouge.

The Florida Gators fell back into their usual style of play where they used their size and quickness to put the game away. Florida Forward Thomas Haugh kept the Florida fans cheering with flashy dunks and a 3-point shot late in the second half.

The loss Saturday evening was familiar for the Tigers as they head into their final four games of the regular season 3-11 in conference play.

The Tigers will take on the SEC No. 4 Tennessee Vols on Tuesday in the PMAC, where they will attempt to pull off a much needed win. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m.