Florida hands No. 22 Arkansas first loss, 64-53

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Deana Allen scored 12 points, Jennifer George added 10 and Florida beat No. 22 Arkansas 64-53 Sunday.

The Gators (11-4, 1-0 SEC) led the entire game, improved to 8-0 at home and handed the Razorbacks (12-1, 0-1) their first loss of the season.

Ndidi Madu chipped in 10 points for Florida. Fellow starters Jaterra Bonds and Lanita Bartley scored nine apiece. The reserves, led by Allen and George, accounted for 28 points.

Arkansas cut Florida’s double-digit lead to 58-49 with 4:24 remaining on consecutive 3-pointers by Lyndsay Harris, but the Gators held on down the stretch, with Jordan Jones and Allen hitting two free throws each.

Harris led the Razorbacks with 12 points despite missing 11 of 13 shots from the field. Sarah Watkins and Keira Peak added 10 points apiece.

Arkansas shot a season-low 31.7 percent, including 3 of 18 from 3-point range.