Playing at home for the first time in 20 days made all the difference for Florida’s sophomore center Azania Stewart on Sunday, when for the second consecutive game inside the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, Stewart turned in a career night, scoring a personal-best 18 points in leading the Gators to a 62-35 win against Southern University in the first round of the Gator Holiday Classic.

Florida (5-5), which won back-to-back games for the first time this season, used several prolific scoring runs in its first contest in nine days, following a break from competition for final examinations.

The Gators allowed the Jaguars just 13 second-half points and Southern shot just 13.5 percent (5-of-37) from the floor in the final period. For the game, Florida connected on 44.7 percent (21-of-47) of its shots, while Southern shot at a 20.3 percent (14-of-29) clip.

Stewart, who is averaging 17.5 points in her last two home contests, eclipsed her previous career high of 17 points, achieved in the team’s last home game against Florida A&M on Dec. 1. Her 18 points came on 8-of-10 shooting.

Each of the 13 Florida players who suited up for the game saw playing time, including senior guard Jennifer Mossor, who logged her first playing time since Jan. 8, 2009. Mossor, who checked in at the 7:15 mark of the opening half, has been plagued by an assortment injuries over the past few seasons. Junior Ebonie Crawford also saw her first game action of the season, coming back from Achilles tendonitis and playing three minutes.

Senior forward Sharielle Smith scored eight points and brought down eight rebounds, while freshman forward Jennifer George brought down a career-high nine rebounds, including four on the offensive end.

Sophomore forward Ndidi Madu blocked two shots and came up with a career-high three steals, to complement six rebounds. Sophomore guard Jordan Jones added eight points, including two 3-pointers, to go with a career-high tying five assists.

The Gators took a 30-22 advantage into the locker room at intermission after shooting 44.0 percent (11-of-25) from the floor, including five 3-pointers. The Jaguars were limited to just 28.1 percent (9-of-32) from the field and were out-rebounded 24-15.

Southern (6-3), a member of the Southwest Athletic Conference, was led by Tenesha Brown’s team-high eight points.

Florida returns to action Monday, when it plays in the championship of the Gator Holiday Classic against High Point, which defeated William & Mary, 66-58, in the other first-round game. The Gators and Panthers are set to tip-off at 7 p.m.