Erving Walker led four Florida players in double figures with 20 points Saturday and the Gators topped visiting Mississippi, 77-71, in the SEC opener for both teams.

Walker, who became the 47th 1,000-point player in Florida history with a layup late in the game, scored 13 points in the second half for the Gators, who led 39-28 at halftime.

Kenny Boynton and Chandler Parsons each scored 17 points for Florida (12-3, 1-0 SEC), and Vernon Macklin added 16 points and seven rebounds.

Senior point guard Chris Warren scored 20 for Mississippi (12-4, 0-1 SEC), which entered the game having won four straight. Warren was 6 of 11 from the field, including 4 of 8 from beyond the arc.

Mississippi forward Reginald Buckner recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Terrance Henry and Zach Graham added 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Florida entered the contest averaging 14.3 turnovers per game, but the Gators had just eight against the Rebels. Scottie Wilbekin, Walker and Parsons combined for 17 assists and just two turnovers.

Florida shot 28 of 59 (47.5 percent) from the field, and Mississippi nearly matched the Gators, making 26 of 55 (47.3 percent).