GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida Gators defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 92-83 Saturday afternoon at Exactech Arena/O’Connell Center, securing their fifth consecutive victory and solidifying their position atop the Southeastern Conference standings. Guards Xaivian Lee and Urban Klavzar led the Gators with a combined 41 points, including nine 3-pointers.
Lee, who scored a career-high 22 points, was seven of twelve from the floor and four of seven from beyond the arc. Klavzar contributed 19 points off the bench, hitting a career-best five 3-pointers on eleven attempts, with the majority of his scoring coming in the second half. Florida’s balanced attack also included 17 points and eight rebounds from forward Thomas Haugh, and a double-double performance from center Rueben Chinyelu, who recorded 10 points and 11 rebounds. Alex Condon also posted a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
The win marked Florida’s first home victory over Kentucky since 2018, ending a six-game losing streak to the Wildcats at Gainesville, according to reports. Kentucky, led by former Florida guard Denzel Aberdeen’s 19 points, struggled with their shooting, with Aberdeen hitting only eight of his 21 field goal attempts. The Wildcats shot 43% overall and committed 14 turnovers, which Florida converted into 25 points.
Florida never trailed in the game, establishing a 15-point lead in the first half and extending it to 16 in the second. Despite Kentucky’s efforts to close the gap, reducing the deficit to four points early in the second half and five points late in the game, the Gators maintained control and secured the victory. UF shot 45.5% from the field and 35.7% from the 3-point line, going 10 of 28 from beyond the arc.
A key moment in the game came after Kentucky cut the lead to four points at the start of the second half. Combined scoring from Haugh and Klavzar helped the Gators regain momentum, and later, a nine-point run extended their lead to 16, providing a comfortable cushion for the remainder of the game.
Florida’s success from 3-point range continued, hitting at least 10 3-pointers in consecutive games for the first time this season. They made 10 of 26 at Georgia on Wednesday night, and are now shooting 31% from deep in SEC play.
Florida (19-6, 10-2 in the SEC) will return to action on Tuesday, hosting South Carolina (11-13, 2-9). The Gamecocks are scheduled to play at Alabama on Saturday night. Florida previously defeated South Carolina 95-48 on January 28th in Columbia, marking the largest conference road win in program history. Kentucky (17-8, 8-4) will host Georgia on Tuesday.
