Florida delivered its most significant road win in over two decades at Rupp Arena on Wednesday, edging out No. 10 Kentucky 94-91 in overtime. This marked the Gators’ first road triumph against a top-10 team since their victory over No. 7 Mississippi State in 2003.
Walter Clayton Jr., the Florida guard, played a crucial role, hitting a game-tying 3-pointer with just 5 seconds remaining in regulation and then sinking the decisive long-range shot with 1:42 left in overtime.
With a team-high 23 points from Clayton, along with contributions from Tyrese Samuel (22 points) and Zyon Pullin (21 points), the Gators turned the tables after a previous narrow loss to Kentucky.
Despite Kentucky’s shorthanded roster, missing key players like D.J. Wagner and Justin Edwards, the Wildcats were unable to secure a win. Reed Sheppard led Kentucky with 24 points, supported by 20 points from Dillingham and a notable effort from Ugonna Onyenso, who recorded 13 points, 16 rebounds, and eight blocks.
The Gators’ trio of Clayton, Samuel, and Pullin achieved a historic feat by becoming the first set of teammates to each score 20+ points in a game inside Rupp Arena against a John Calipari-coached Kentucky team.
This victory holds immense significance for Florida’s season, marking their first win over a ranked opponent and a Quad 1 team. Positioned as a potential NCAA Tournament bubble team, this win could prove pivotal for their postseason aspirations.
Meanwhile, Kentucky’s performance raises questions about their consistency and defensive vulnerabilities. Despite missing key players, their upcoming game against No. 5 Tennessee will be crucial for both teams, as they aim to rebound from midweek losses to unranked opponents and stay in contention for the SEC title.
