Rumble at Rupp: Can No. 5 Florida basketball maintain unbeaten start in SEC opener at No. 11 UK?

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Florida basketball proved it could handle the pressure of Rupp Arena last season when it upset Kentucky 94-91 in overtime in Lexington last season.

The No. 5 Florida Gators (13-0) will face another hostile test when they open SEC play Saturday at No. 11 Kentucky (11 a.m., ESPN).

Florida’s overtime win at Kentucky last season was just its fourth in its last 17 trips to Rupp Arena, dating back to 2007.

“We have five guys in our rotation that were a part of that game that helped us win it,” Florida basketball coach Todd Golden said. “So, they should have some good confidence going to that game as well.”

Kentucky (11-2) is coming off an 88-54 win over Brown. The Wildcats, under first-year coach Mark Pope, upset No. 4 Duke at the Champions Classic in November. UK boasts the second-highest scoring offense in the SEC, averaging 89.0 points per game.

“They are hard to guard, and they do some good things offensively, and they play through their bigs on the perimeter,” Golden said, “They’re more, you know, four and five out. So again, just if we can execute and know our personnel, we’ll give ourselves a good chance.”

Here are three storylines to watch for Florida basketball in its matchup with the Wildcats:

Can Florida basketball senior guard Will Richard continue his high level of play on both ends of the floor?

The 6-foot-4 Richard is averaging 16.0 points and 4.0 steals over his last three games. Richard worked on his body during the offseason after opting to return to Florida for his senior year after putting his name in the NBA draft, and the improved athleticism is showing off on the court. Richard has been more aggressive jumping the passing lanes this season and ranks eighth in the SEC in steals at 2.2 spg.

“This last year, I feel like I’m going out there and just having fun every game and just enjoying the present,” Richard said. “Trying to go out there and be the best I can for my teammates and just win games.”

Who will win the battle of the boards, Florida basketball or…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rumble-rupp-no-5-florida-214854006.html

Author : The Gainesville Sun

Publish date : 2025-01-02 21:48:00

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