Nine seconds.
That’s how long Florida basketball has trailed in its last three games.
And still just 2-minutes and 28-seconds is all Florida has trailed in its now five-game win streak as the Gators defeated Kentucky 92-83 to make the Wildcats the latest victims of UF’s absurd stat line. The victory also keeps Florida in sole possession of first place in the SEC.
The No. 14 Gators (19-6, 10-2 SEC) were powered by performances from Xaivain Lee and Urban Klavzar as the duo combined for nine shots from the 3-point line.
Lee recorded 13 of his 22 points in the first half, while Klavzar delivered 14 of his 19 points in the second.
Like in latest string of victories, the Gators built as much as a 15-point lead in the first half, and kept ahead with its transition game to hold a 43-34 lead at the half. Florida (19-6, 10-2 SEC) scored 25 points from 14 turnovers by Kentucky (17-8, 8-4).
Kentucky responded with a 7-0 run to start the second half and narrowed the score to 43-41, but UF answered with a 6-0 run to keep soundly ahead as the Wildcats stayed behind by at least three possessions for the rest of the game.
Rueben Chinyelu posted his 15th double-double as he recorded 10 points and 10 rebounds. Thomas Haugh added 17 points, and Alex Condon put up 14.
Here’s what happened in Florida’s win over Kentucky.
Klavzar has five 3-pointers
Urban Klavzar knocked down his fifth 3-pointer to push Florida’s lead to 81-70 over Kentucky with 3:05 left in the game. He has scored 14 of his 19 points in the second half.
Klavzar has hot hand
Florida is on a 7-0 run, which features Urban Klavzar hitting a 3-pointer and then driving for a layup on back-to-back possessions. UF holds a 72-58 lead with 8:42 left. Klavzar has 13 points.
Chineylu picks up 4th foul
With Florida holding a 63-54 lead with 11:54, Rueben Chinyelu picks up his fourth. Chinyelu has eight rebounds and eight points so far.
Announced attendance 11,230, which is the second most since the renovation back in 2016.
Media timeout
Kentucky opened the half with a 7-0 run, but Florida holds a 52-46 lead with 15:52 lead. Kentucky is winning the rebound battle 25-23.
HALF: Florida 43, Kentucky 34
Xaivian Lee leads UF 13 points, while Thomas Haugh has 12. UK and UF are tied 20-20 on the boards, while the Gators have scored 16 points from nine turnovers.
Kentucky answers with run
The Wildcats are on a 10-0 run and have narrowed the score to 32-27 with under five minutes to go. Denzel Aberdeen leads UK with seven points.
Florida basketball stretching lead vs Kentucky
The Gators hold a 32-17 lead in the first half with 7:26 remaining. UF is another 6-0 run and has outscored Kentucky 16-0 in points off turnovers.
Florida having success in transition
Florida holds a 24-13 lead with 11:17 left in the first half. The Gators have scored 11 points from six turnovers. UF has yet to trail in the matchup.
Florida on an early run
The Gators are on a 6-0 run and take a 20-8 lead with 13:42 to go. Xaivian Lee and Thomas Haugh each have eight points.
1H 16:34| Florida 10, Kentucky 2
Xaivian Lee has knocked down a pair of 3-pointers. Aberdeen has a bucket but is 1 of 4 to start. #Gators
Starting lineups
Florida starters: G – Boogie Fland, G – Xaivian Lee, F – Thomas Haugh, F – Alex Condon, C – Rueben Chinyelu
Kentucky starters: G – Otega Oweh, G – Denzel Aberdeen, G – Collin Chandler, F – Andrija Jelavic, C – Malachi Moreno
Florida basketball vs Kentucky TV channel, livestream
Stream Florida basketball vs Kentucky
Streaming: ESPN app or Fubo
Channel: ABC
Florida vs Kentucky will be televised on ABC and can be streamed via the ESPN app or Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers. Karl Ravech and Jimmy Dykes will be on the call at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.
Florida basketball vs Kentucky start time
Date: Saturday, Feb. 14
Start time: 3 p.m. ET
Florida basketball 2025-26 schedule
Reach Florida Gators writer Andrew Abadie at AAbadie@usatodayco.com or on X (formerly Twitter) at @AndrewAbadie. You can also find him on Facebook at Andrew Abadie Sports Reporter or on Instagram @andrewabadie_sports.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Florida basketball tops Kentucky behind Xaivian Lee’s 22 points
Reporting by Andrew Abadie, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
