The Florida Gators have now won four straight games following a 77-52 win at Kentucky on Thursday. It’s the first time the program has won four consecutive games in conference play since 2011. Overall, the Gators improved to 14-5 on the season and 4-2 in the SEC.
Florida was led by a dominant offensive showing from Kiki Smith, who led all scorers with 25, and Alberte Rimdal, who knocked down five three-pointers for the second straight game. Defensively, Smith, Nina Rickards, and Zippy Broughton were a force.
The Gators took over the game in the second quarter where they extended what had been a four point lead after one period to eighteen before the halftime break.
From there, Kentucky would make slight comeback efforts, but the Gators were able to shut it down before the lead was in danger.
The Gators led the entire game and shot 52% from the floor, including 7-15 from the three point line. Florida also outrebounded Kentucky 48-31.
The Gators also limited Rhyne Howard’s production as the former All-SEC and SEC Player of the Year settled for 17 points and ten rebounds, but those stats were mostly accumulated with the game out of reach.
Next up for Florida: a home matchup with No. 10 LSU. The Tigers are 17-2 overall and 5-1 in SEC play. The meeting will tipoff at 1:00 PM on Sunday at Exactech Arena.