The Florida Gators upset No.10 Kentucky 94-91 in overtime on Wednesday night, improving to 15-6 (5-3 SEC) on the 2023-24 season. Florida was 5-65 all-time on the road against AP Top-10 opponents prior to beating a Kentucky squad that was 10-1 inside Rupp Arena this season. The victory marks the 4th straight conference win for the Gators.
Biggest win in the Todd Golden era
Todd Golden had not beaten a ranked team on the road in his two seasons as Head Coach of the Florida Gators, until Wednesday night. Prior to the matchup, Florida was on the outside looking in regarding the NCAA Tournament, according to Joe Lunardi’s most recent bracketology prediction. The Gators were listed as ‘next four out’, which is sure to change after Florida logged their first quad one win of the season against Kentucky. While Florida still has plenty of work to do in order to clinch their spot in postseason play, this is the type of win that will get you picked over others on selection Sunday. It’s not easy to win inside Rupp Arena and the Gators will be one of just a few teams to do so this season. The only other team to accomplish that feat this season is UNC Wilmington.
For a large part of the season it seemed as if Florida was better than their record showed, but they had no significant wins to show for it. The Gators found their signature win on Wednesday night. The Gators have found their groove at the right time.
Florida’s backcourt
Florida got tremendous efforts from guards Zyon Pullin and Walter Clayton against Kentucky, which has been the case for the majority of the season.
Pullin logged 21 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds while connecting on 7-8 free throws in the contest. Pullin missed his final five shot attempts but was able to come up with three critical free throws in overtime, which capped a great performance from the California native.
Pullin’s body control and ability to speed up through traffic proved critical in this contest. He’s incredibly difficult to guard due to his ability to finish around the rim with both hands or pull up for a mid-range jumper. Pullin is Florida’s best and most consistent player, and I’m not sure it’s debatable.
Walter Clayton hit seven triples vs Kentucky, including the game tying three pointer to send the game into overtime. His 23 points led the Gators in the contest.
I’ve watched college basketball long enough to know that good play from your guards can result in long tournament runs. I think Florida has that talent in Zyon Pullin and Walter Clayton to make something happen in March. When you pair that with a team that rebounds as good as Florida does (outrebounded Kentucky 50-48 and 17-15 on the offensive glass), it’s a recipe for success.
Florida kept their composure
After 14 first half lead changes, the Gators found themselves trailing by 10 points with 1:10 left to play in the first half. The game felt as if it was on the verge of getting out of hand after Florida went over six minutes without recording a basket. However, the Gators went on a quick 5-0 run after Zyon Pullin drained a three pointer and Will Richard recorded a layup on a fantastic outlet pass from freshman forward Thomas Haugh. This allowed the Gators to regain a little momentum going into halftime, which I think ultimately changed the outcome of the game. The Gators were able to turn things around when Rupp Arena was at its loudest.
Florida has struggled playing quality basketball for 40 minutes this season. While this game was not perfect, they went shot for shot with No.10 Kentucky and never let the game get at a hand. The Gators made free throws when they had to, connecting on 18-22 (81.8%) in the game while Kentucky made just 11-17 (64.7%). Florida also took care of the basketball for the most part, turning the ball over just nine times in the contest. Three of those turnovers came in the first four minutes of the game, but the Gators settled into their offense and were able to get shots off for the remainder of the game.
There was a combined 29 lead changes and 15 ties in the contest, but it was the Gators who came out victorious in a critical SEC showdown.