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The nationally ranked Vanderbilt Commodore basketball team built up a double digit first half lead and then had to hang on to beat Florida 64-60 Tuesday night in Gainesville.

It was the last home game for senior Dan Werner who did not start the game; however, he did score eight points on 3 of 6 shooting to help the Florida cause.

Florida got a big night from center Vernon Macklin who scores 21 points and grabs nine boards in a losing effort. He didn't get much offensive help as the Gators shot just 36 percent from the field although outrebounding Vanderbilt by a 42-36 margin.

The key for the Commodores was their three point shooting as they hit 10 of 20 shots from long distance to offset a relatively poor shooting night overall.

Florida had chances to win late but Macklin missed a key free throw and then missed a couple of other shot attempts to allow Vandy to escape with the win.

Florida ends its regular season with a game Sunday afternoon at nationally ranked Kentucky.