The Gators (23-9, 10-7 SEC) overcame some first-half doldrums and scrapped to a 73-58 win over Arkansas in the tournament's opening round at the St. Pete Times Forum.
Florida moves on to a second round meeting tonight against SEC West second seed Auburn (21-10, 10-6) in what could amount to an NCAA Tournament play-in game. Florida beat Auburn 68-65 last Jan. 14, but the Tigers have regrouped since. Auburn has won eight of its last nine games.