Jennifer George scored 18 points, Jaterra Bonds and Jordan Jones added 14 apiece and Florida beat No. 21 Florida State 72-58 Thursday.
The Gators (2-1) defeated their in-state rival for just the third time in the last nine meetings. The Seminoles (2-2) lost consecutive games to Southeastern Conference teams and likely will drop from the rankings for the first time since January 2009. FSU lost to Arkansas over the weekend.
Florida closed the first half on a 14-4 run, turning a close game into a double-digit affair. FSU trimmed the lead to 49-41 with about 15 minutes to play, but the Gators pulled steadily pulled away down the stretch.
George was key, making 9 of 11 shots from the field.
Cierra Bravard led the Seminoles with 22 points, her 25th consecutive game in double figures. She fouled out with 3:48 remaining, and without their best player, the Seminoles couldn't mount a comeback.
