Florida women hold on to beat Ohio State 70-65

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Ohio State’s Ashley Adams (33) and Florida’s Ndidi Madu (14) fight for a rebound, Sunday, March 18, 2012, during the first half of a first round NCAA college basketball game in Bowling Green, Ohio. (AP Photo/J.D. Pooley)

(AP) Jennifer George had 16 points and six rebounds to lead ninth-seeded Florida to a 70-65 win over eighth-seeded Ohio State in the Des Moines Regional on Sunday.

The Gators (20-12) scored the game’s first nine points and held on in front of a crowd packed with fans of the in-state Buckeyes (25-7).

Tayler Hill scored 23 points for Ohio State, including two late baskets to pull the Buckeyes within two. Florida patiently worked the ball inside to George, who went up strong with her left hand and scored with 45 seconds to play. Emilee Harmon missed at the other end for the Buckeyes.

Ohio State star Samantha Prahalis went scoreless in the second half and finished with nine points.

Lanita Bartley scored 15 points for Florida.