On consecutive nights the University of Florida’s men’s and women’s basketball teams lost tightly contested games against highly ranked opponents from Kentucky.
Saturday’s final:
Kentucky 65, Florida 54
GAINESVILLE, FL- On Saturday the men’s basketball team suffered another late collapse as they held an eleven point lead with thirteen minutes to play.
#7 Kentucky’s defense buckled down and the team went on a 15-0 run that sealed the Gators fate.
Florida fell to 12-9 on the season and 4-4 in conference play.
Freshman point guard Andrew Nembhard lead all Gators with 12 points while senior guards KeVaughn Allen and Jalen Hudson (off the bench) each added 11.
Freshman forward Keyontae Johnson added eight points and team leading ten rebounds.
The Gators were search for a resume-builder as they appear to be on the outside of the NCAA tournament field.
Florida still has several opportunities to improve their resume including their next two contests when they face Auburn and Tennessee.
Sunday’s final:
Kentucky 62, Florida 51
LEXINGTON, KY- The women’s basketball played a tight game against #19 Kentucky, but ultimately the Wildcats proved too deep and experienced for a young Gators team.
Florida last led the game after the first made basket of the second quarter, a three-pointer by freshman Ariel Johnson (18-15), but Kentucky went on an 8-0 run and never trailed again.
The Gators had opportunities, especially at the end of the third quarter. Danielle Rainey made a driving layup to close the gap 42-40 which was followed immediately by a timeout from head coach Cameron Newbauer. Kentucky, however, responded with the final three points of the period on the way to the win.
Rainey scored a career high with 20 points while Delicia Washington finished with a double-double (10 points, 14 rebounds).
Despite shooting 45% from the field, Florida turned the ball over 24 times, which was the difference in the game.
The Florida women are now 5-17 on the season and will face Alabama (11-11) on Thursday in Gainesville.