GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – The Florida men’s basketball team fell to the Kentucky 87-85 in their first game of Southeastern Conference play. The Gators had a very successful non-conference schedule finishing with a 10-3 record, but their first true test of the season came when sixth-ranked Kentucky hit the court.
- The Gators started out strong will lots of momentum with a home game advantage. The tides changed in the second quarter with 1:21 remaining. Freshman center Aaron Bradshaw sank a 3-pointer to give the Wildcats a four-point lead. From there, fellow freshman Reed Sheppard made 6-of-6 free throws over the final 20 seconds to help the Wildcats cement the victory.
Kentucky entered ranked No. 2 nationally in 3-point shooting percentage at 41.6% but made just 1 of 10 looks from beyond the arc in the first half while falling behind 45-37 at halftime. Florida made a statement early, leading most of the game. Walter Clayton Jr. and Zyon Pullin each scored 23 points to lead UF.
Riley Kugel came off the bench and finished the first half with 11 points and two steals. He finished the game with 15 points before fouling out with 46 seconds remaining. It was high highest scoring outpoint since scoring 24 points against Wake Forest in November. Center Micah Handlogten had six points and a game-high 12 rebounds. Florida led by 11 inside two minutes to play in the first half. However, in the second, the Gators couldn’t keep the momentum going.
