When the Kentucky Wildcats took on the undefeated Florida Gators, it certainly seemed like fans would be in for a tremendous game. However, even these lofty expectations were exceeded, as the Wildcats won 106-100 in what might end up being one of the best college basketball games of the season.
Kentucky Fought Off Several Surges From Florida to Win at a Rocking Rupp Arena
Florida was the aggressor early. Walter Clayton Jr. meant business coming out of the gate, and in addition to early offense from Alex Condon and Ruben Chinyelu, Florida opened up a 26-15 lead that was their largest of the game. Chinyelu was a force on the offensive glass, recording 3 offensive rebounds in the first 5 minutes of the game.
Kentucky’s response was primarily through Otega Oweh, who touched the paint for a huge and-one before hitting three quick outside shots. Koby Brea also opened his account from deep, hitting 3 three-pointers. The Wildcats made up the deficit quickly by embarking on a 16-0 run and ultimately entered halftime up 42-52.
16-0 Cats run. This sequence >>>>
📺 – ESPN pic.twitter.com/JW863hmGeS
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) January 4, 2025
Kentucky allowed their defense to power their offense during their first half comeback. After being late on closeouts and sloppy on rebounding assignments early, improved defense allowed them to make a run and make multiple shots in a row to take the lead.
The Keys to the Game Proved to Be the Difference for Kentucky
In the game preview for this matchup, three point shooting and rebounding were highlighted as the two key areas of this game. This proved to be the case early when Florida leaned on their offensive rebounding to build an early advantage. In the second half, the three-point category was massive for Kentucky.
As a team, Kentucky made 14 of their 29 three-pointers for a whopping 48.3%. Florida made their fair share of threes, knocking in 12 total, but on a much-less efficient 35.3%. Clayton and Alijah Martin made 11 of the 12 threes on 24 attempts, meaning the rest of the team was only 1-10. Meanwhile, Kentucky had six different players connect from distance. The aforementioned Brea ended the game with 23 points on 7-9 from long range. It was one of the best performances by any player this season.
🗣️ GREATEST 3 POINT SHOOTER IN AMERICA
📺 – ESPN pic.twitter.com/qlfqnvqNsT
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) January 4, 2025
The Gators will be kicking themselves for falling behind in another shooting category: free throws. Despite having 35 attempts from the charity stripe, they only converted 62.5%. It was a particularly woeful day for Condon and Martin, who shot a combined 6-15 from the line. Meanwhile, Kentucky made 18-24 free throw shots.
In the second half, Florida made it a one-point game at 70-69. Mark Pope’s Wildcats responded with a 10-0 run and held on to win. Lamont Butler might have been the MVP for Kentucky. In the last four minutes of the game, Butler scored 8 points and had two assists, both to Andrew Carr, whose 5 points late gave him 14 for the night. Butler ended with 19 points, 8 assists, and 3 rebounds. He was clutch from the free throw line, making 6 of his 7 attempts. The transfer forward has been an excellent steady presence and veteran leader for the team.
This Was Truly a Special Treat for College Basketball Fans
In a back-and-forth game that saw 26 combined made threes, only 16 turnovers, and both teams scoring in the 100s, fans were treated to an offensive explosion. The stars were out to shine, with Clayton ending with 33 points, Martin stacking up 26, and Brea scoring 23. Kentucky had all 5 starters in double-figures in addition to Brea, who came off the bench. Additionally, the environment in Rupp Arena was second-to-none, with the home crowd getting loud throughout and providing one of the best spectacles college basketball can offer.
I’ve been doing this 30 years. I can count on one hand where both the game and the environment were as good as they were today at Rupp for Kentucky-Florida. College basketball at its best.
— Dan Shulman (@DShulman_ESPN) January 4, 2025
Both Kentucky and Florida have quick turnarounds, playing again on Tuesday. Previously undefeated Florida now has to face #1 Tennessee, while Kentucky heads to Athens to face Asa Newell’s Georgia Bulldogs.
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