The SEC is delivering yet another big-time matchup this Saturday when the #10 Kentucky Wildcats play host to the #6 Florida Gators, who remain undefeated on the season.
Kentucky is Eager to Defend Their Home Court
Kentucky easily raced past Brown on Tuesday, winning 88-54. The Wildcats ended the game with four starters in double-figures, which was complimented from well-rounded play off the bench. Center Andrew Carr led the way with 14 points, while guard Otega Oweh continued his run of scoring. Leading the team with 16.2 points per game, Oweh has scored in double digits in each game this season.
🎥 Highlights: Kentucky 88, Brown 54
Andrew Carr – 14 PTS (4-6 FG) | 5 REB | 3 STL
Amari Williams – 13 PTS (4-5 FG) | 3 BLK | 2 REB
Koby Brea – 13 PTS (4-9 FG) | 2 REB | 2 BLK
Otega Oweh – 13 PTS (6-11 FG) | 4 STL | 2 AST pic.twitter.com/ORNDu1hBRg— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) December 31, 2024
Despite losing every scholarship player from last season’s roster following the departure of long-time coach John Calipari, the team has managed to find a camaraderie and connectedness surprisingly quickly. First year coach Mark Pope has expressed great confidence in his team, and so far, the players are proving Pope right. Kentucky has one of the best offenses in the country and has notched quality wins over Gonzaga and Duke.
Can Florida Continue Its Undefeated Season?
Many expected the Florida Gators to be a great team this season, but few saw a 13-0 start for Todd Golden’s bunch. Guard Walter Clayton Jr. has continued to get it done this season, averaging over 17 a game in addition to almost 4 assists. Although Clayton is easily the Gators’ most lethal scorer, he is not alone in terms of proficient offensive options.
Senior guards Will Richard and Alijah Martin both average over 14 points per game. Martin has been remarkably consistent this season, and Richard has put together several huge games, including leading the team in points in their signature win over North Carolina. Richard ended the game with 22 points on 3/5 from deep.
showtime 🫡 pic.twitter.com/gs8dNE3vMV
— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) December 30, 2024
As lucky as Florida is to have a senior-led team, they also have multiple young players who are playing at a very high level. Sophomores Alex Condon, Thomas Haugh, and Rueben Chinyelu have all had fantastic seasons in the frontcourt for the Gators.
Keys to the Game
As good as Kentucky shoot the ball, they often struggle to defend the three-point line. Florida will likely have many looks from deep. Both teams make around 10 three-pointers per game, so whoever makes more of their outside looks will surely have an advantage. The aforementioned Richard has 10 of his last 17 three-balls, while Kentucky’s Jaxson Robinson has been struggling as of late, shooting just 10/35 in his last five contests. Kentucky made 10 threes against Brown and 11 in a recent win over rivals Louisville, but made only 5 in their latest loss vs Ohio State.
The other area that both teams usually lay claim to is rebounding. Florida currently ranks 1st in the nation in total rebounding, while Kentucky is 4th. Both coaches will surely be emphasizing controlling the glass this week. Whereas many teams rely primarily on their frontcourt for rebounding, both the Gators and the Wildcats have excellent rebounding guards who are tenacious on the offensive glass in particular. Kentucky has lost the rebounding margin in both of their losses this season.
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