Florida Gators fall to Kentucky wildcats

The Florida Gators nine game winning streak was broken on Saturday in a 76-66 loss to the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena. The loss puts the Gators in second place in SEC standings and Kentucky now slides to the top spot.

The first half started off with a stout performance from Gator guard KeVaughn Allen. Allen had 14 points in the first half going 5-8 from the floor and 3-5 from beyond the arc. Allen’s 14 points was followed by Justin Leon who scored 10 points including two big three pointers. It was a back and forth half for the Gators getting out to a convincing lead to start and silence the crowd at Rupp Arena. The Gators let the Wildcats back in the game after ending the half going 1-10 from the floor. After foul by Devin Robinson as time expired, Kentucky cashed in on two free throws to tie the game 28-28 to end the first half.

To start the second half, Florida made six of its first six from the floor. Florida then got into some foul trouble that lead eventually to four of the five starters ending the game with at least four fouls. Allen scored a quiet 10 points in the second half to lead the Gators in scoring with 24. For the Wildcats, It was Bam Adebayo and Malik Monk who shined in the second half. Adebayo scored 18 and Monk finished with an impressive 33 points.

The Florida Gators close the first season at Exactech Arena on Wednesday, March 1st against the Arkansas Razorbacks 81-72 to open SEC play.