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Rojas Has Big Game In Alabama Win

James Rojas, seen in file photo, scored 15 points in 24 minutes off the bench to help Alabama to an 86-71 victory over Florida on Tuesday night. Photo courtesy of the University of Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Keon Ellis scored 16 points and Jamestown High School graduate James Rojas scored 15 — each off the bench — to help carry Alabama past Florida 86-71 on Tuesday night to sit atop the Southeastern Conference.

The pair tallied 31 of the Crimson Tide’s (8-3, 3-0) 36-bench points to help Alabama pull away in the second half. Rojas shot 5 of 8 from the floor and 5 of 9 from the foul line, grabbed seven rebounds and added one assist and one steal in 24 minutes.

Anthony Duruji sandwiched a jumper and 3-pointer around a jumper from Colin Castleton, and Florida (5-2, 2-1) used the 7-0 run to start the second half to tie it at 39-apiece.

The Tide countered with a 12-2 run over a little more than four minutes and went on to expand their lead from there. Alabama led by double digits the rest of the way.

Herbert Jones and Jaden Shackelford each scored 16 points for Alabama.

Tyree Appleby scored 18 points for Florida, Castleton 13, and Noah Locke and Tre Mann 11 apiece.

Alabama entered the game having lost eight straight and 10 of its last 12 to the Gators at Coleman Coliseum. It was Alabama’s first win at home against Florida since Feb. 26, 2006.

UP NEXT

Florida: Hosts the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday.

Alabama: Travels to face Auburn on Saturday.

LOFTON HONORED

ST. BONAVENTURE — St. Bonaventure junior point guard Kyle Lofton has earned Big 4 Player of the Week accolades after heroics in this past Saturday’s victory at preseason Atlantic 10 favorite Richmond.

Lofton delivered the game-winning three-pointer from the top of the key with 2.8 seconds remaining to send the Bonnies to a thrilling 69-66 victory at Richmond. He finished the game with 16 points and three assists, sinking 5-of-9 shot attempts from the floor.

For the week, he averaged 14.5 points, 2.5 steals and 2.0 assists per game. He opened A-10 play with 13 points in 39 minutes of action Dec. 30 at Rhode Island.

He becomes the second Bonnies player to be named Big 4 Player of the Week this season, joining teammate Osun Osunniyi who earned the honor on Dec. 22. Big 4 players consist of student-athletes from St. Bonaventure, Buffalo, Canisius and Niagara.

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