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Tyus leads Florida past UMKC

Nov 30, 2008 - 8:24 PM ORLANDO, Florida (Ticker) -- Alex Tyus scored a career-high 25 points as 18th-ranked Florida overcame a sluggish start in an 86-65 victory over Missouri-Kansas City on Sunday.

Chandler Parsons added 17 points for the Gators (5-1), who trailed with under five minutes remaining in the first half before eventually taking control.

Tyus was the best player on the floor, making 10-of-13 shots from the floor in the best effort of his young career. The 6-8 sophomore also enjoyed a big game Monday, scoring 24 points on 11-of-14 shooting in an 89-83 loss to Syracuse.

Thanks to Tyus, the Gators were able to overcome a off-game from leading-scorer Nick Calathes. Making a homecoming after attending high school in the Orlando area, Calathes managed a season-low nine points.

Dane Brumagin scored 16 points and Reggie Hamilton 10 for Missouri-Kansas City (3-5), which was facing a ranked team for the first time this season.

A huge underdog, the Kangaroos hung in and enjoyed a 32-29 lead following Brumagin's layup with 4:51 remaining in the first half.

However, the Kangaroos went scoreless the remainder of the half as the Gators reeled off an 11-0 surge to take a 40-32 advantage into the break. Calathes made a layup and hit a free throw in the burst.

The run continued to start the second half as the Gators scored the first nine points to extend their cushion to 47-32. Parsons had a pair of baskets on the inside.

Tyus, who did a majority of his damage in the paint, threw down a dunk to make it 61-43 with just over 12 minutes remaining.

Freshman Erving Walker contributed 13 points for the Gators, who shot 55 percent (34-of-62).