In a thrilling showdown at Rupp Arena on Wednesday night, the No. 10/8 Kentucky Wildcats suffered a heartbreaking 94-91 loss to the Florida Gators. Despite standout performances from freshman guard Reed Sheppard, who scored a season-high 24 points, and fellow freshman Rob Dillingham, who contributed 20 points, the Wildcats were unable to secure the victory.
This game marked Sheppard’s highest scoring output in an SEC matchup this season and the fourth time he has achieved the feat of scoring 20 points or more in a single game. Unfortunately for Kentucky, they were without the services of freshman guards Justin Edwards and D.J. Wagner, both of whom missed the game due to injury.
Kentucky (15-5, 5-3 Southeastern Conference) received a strong contribution from Antonio Reeves, who put up 19 points. In addition, sophomore Ugonna Onyenso had an impressive outing in his first career start, registering career highs in points (13), rebounds (16), and blocked shots (eight).
The Wildcats got off to a solid start, taking an early 8-3 lead with three-pointers from Adou Thiero and Reeves. However, the Gators managed to claw their way back into the game, ultimately tying it up at 12-12 and taking a 14-12 lead on a basket by Riley Kugel.
Kentucky fought back, evening the score with a Sheppard bucket and reclaiming the lead on a Zvonimir Ivisic free throw. The lead changed hands multiple times in a fiercely contested battle before the Wildcats managed to pull ahead, securing a 34-28 advantage with a three-pointer from Sheppard, an Onyenso putback, and a Sheppard drive to the basket.
Florida responded with a free throw, but Kentucky went on a 12-1 run, fueled by another Reeves three and an Aaron Bradshaw dunk, extending their lead to 39-29 with 2:16 left in the first half. The Gators closed the gap with a 7-2 run to end the half, but the Wildcats held a 41-36 lead at halftime, with Sheppard pacing all scorers with 11 points.
The Gators started the second half strong, opening with six unanswered points to regain the lead at 42-41. However, the Wildcats quickly countered with dunks from Onyenso and Reeves, taking a 45-42 advantage. The lead continued to oscillate between the two teams, with 10 more lead changes before Kentucky managed to stretch their lead to four points, 70-66, with a Reeves three-pointer.
Florida fought back to regain control, leading 71-70 with 7:17 remaining on the clock. The game remained tightly contested, with three more lead changes and the score tied at 73, 75, and 77.
Kentucky made a push, propelled by four consecutive points from Reeves, to take an 81-77 lead. However, the Gators clawed their way back, narrowing the gap to two points. Onyenso delivered a critical offensive rebound and putback, granting the Wildcats an 83-79 advantage with 37 seconds left.
Florida refused to back down, responding with a basket from Tyrese Samuel to cut the deficit to two, 83-81. Dillingham was then fouled and made the first free throw but missed the second. With five seconds remaining, Florida’s Walter Clayton drained a clutch three-pointer to tie the game, and Kentucky was unable to get a shot off before the buzzer, pushing the game into overtime.
In the overtime period, Florida utilized an 8-0 run to seize a commanding 94-87 lead. Despite their best efforts, the Wildcats could not mount a comeback, resulting in a 94-91 loss.
Looking ahead, Kentucky will seek redemption as they square off against No. 5 Tennessee on Saturday at Rupp Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET and the game will be televised on ESPN.
