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SEC play is here and the 6th ranked Gators started their campaign with a frustrating loss against the 10th ranked Kentucky Wildcats, 106-100. It was a high scoring game that gave Florida their first loss of the season.
Inside the Gators’ Instant Analysis takes a quick look at how the game unfolded.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: Kenucky’s Andrew Carr delivered the dagger with a three-point shot with a 1:30 left in the second half to extend the Wildcat’s lead to 99-91. This shot put the game out of reach for Florida as Kentucky was already in the bonus.
THEY STOLE THE SHOW: Walter Clayton Jr. stole the show with a 33 point performance. He got hot throughout the second half and almost led the Gators to a late comeback. He made difficult shots and finished extremely well. He was entertaining throughout the entire game.
THESE STATS DON’T LIE: Kentucky scored 20 points off of 9 Florida turnovers. Kentucky shot 48% from three. Florida shot 63% from the free-throw line. Both teams scored over 50 points in the second half. Kentucky shot 58% from the field and Florida shot 55% from the field.
THIS MATCHUP PROVED KEY: Lamont Butler and Alijah Martin matched up again after the national semi-final in 2023. Both guards know each other and the matchup was entertaining from start to finish. Martin exploded against Butler in the second half. Martin scored 15 points within the first 10 minutes of the half and brought Florida within one from a 10-point deficit. Butler didn’t have an answer for him. Martin won the matchup with 26 points scored and 5 rebounds.
WHAT A PLAY: Andrew Carr delivers a massive three pointer to seal the game for Kentucky.
UP NEXT: Florida (13-1) takes on No.1 Tennessee Volunteers (13-0) on Tuesday, Jan 7. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. in the O’Connell Center in Gainesville.
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