Tampa, FL -- (Sports Network) - Walter Hodge scored 16 points to power the Florida Gators to a 73-58 victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first round of the SEC Tournament.

Dan Werner added 15 points and 13 rebounds for Florida (23-9), the East Division's third seed. The Gators advance to battle Auburn, the West's second seed, in Friday's quarterfinal round.

Michael Washington racked up 15 points and 18 rebounds for Arkansas (14-16), the West Division's sixth seed. Rotnei Clark netted 11 points for the Razorbacks, who got 10 points from Marcus Britt.

Both teams struggled with their shooting in the first half, and Florida held a narrow 29-26 advantage at intermission.

Over the final 20 minutes, the Gators were able to connect on 53.6 percent of their field goal attempts to claim the win.

Florida earned a 15-4 advantage in points from the foul line. Erving Walker posted 12 points off the bench for the Gators, while Nick Calathes pitched in 11 points and seven assists.