No. 10 Florida used a 23-0 run midway through the first half to cruise past Jackson State 99-59 in its season opener in Gainesville, Fla.

The Gators were never challenged in winning their 21st consecutive season opener. Ahead 18-8 six minutes into the game, the Gators held the Tigers scoreless for the next 5:54. Patric Young scored eight points during the surge, and Mike Rosario’s 3-pointer with 8:55 left in the half gave Florida a 41-8 lead.

The Gators shot 63.2 percent and forced 16 turnovers in building a 59-23 advantage at the break. Rosario and Kenny Boynton each finished with 19 points to lead the Gators.

The opener served as little more than a tuneup for Florida’s trip Tuesday to No. 3-ranked Ohio State. The Buckeyes routed Florida in Gainesville in the second game of last season, 93-75, one of only eight losses for a Gators’ squad that reached the Elite Eight.

Jackson State (0-1), which was led by Jenirro Bush’s 20 points, plays Sunday at No. 12 Baylor.