Florida Gators’ SEC-Opening Contest vs. Kentucky Sold Out
Florida hoops (9-3) will begin Southeastern Conference play against the No. 8 Kentucky Wildcats (9-2) in front of a sold-out Exactech Arena on Saturday, Jan. 6, at 12:30 p.m. ET, the program announced on Tuesday.
The annual matchup between SEC foes opens the conference slate of contests for the first time since 1998-99.
Kentucky has had its way with Florida throughout series history, with the Gators sitting at 41-108 all-time against the Wildcats. In last season's matchups in year one under UF head coach Todd Golden, Florida played Kentucky closely in both outings but did not reign victorious in either contest.
Golden and Co. aim for different outcomes in 2023-24 to snap a four-game skid against the 'Cats.
Despite dropping three games to this point in the season, the Gators' revamped roster has proven fruitful in their quest to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in three campaigns.
One week ago, the group's resilient effort in a back-and-forth bout with Michigan in the Jumpman Invitational showcased growing cohesion and fortitude.
They're among the few teams in the country to have posted three Quad II wins or better — including a convincing Quad I win over Pitt in the NIT Season Tip-Off — through non-conference play.
It's set a firm foundation for the team's postseason resume.
Following the Gators' 39-point triumph over Grambling State in their latest appearance, Golden expressed his cautious optimism in what he's seen from his group this season relative to his preseason expectations.
However, he's focused on continuing the program's upward ascension by instilling more consistency into the group heading into the crucial months of league play.
"We've got plenty that we need to improve upon," Golden said on Friday. "We haven't consistently played at a super, super high level, you know, all year, which is obviously the goal, to reach that peak and then be able to sustain it. We still haven't really had everybody clicking on all cylinders at the same time. You know, obviously, we played well tonight, but Riley [Kugel] was out, and he's going to be a big part of our group as we get into conference play.
"But, you know, what I talked to the guys about was: Hey, I think in our locker room, we know we have a lot of room to improve in different areas, whether it be offensively or defensively, and that should be exciting that we're able to be 9-3 right now.
"Obviously, Quinnipiac [when] we get back, going into conference play — knock on wood — with a pretty good resume, but I do believe our best basketball is still in front of us with this group. You know, that's kind of the carrot that we're dangling, and the hope is that we can reach that high level as we get into SEC play."
As the Gators continue to gel, they'll get an ample litmus test in the Wildcats to tip off a daunting stretch of SEC opponents in January, as UF faces three Quad I opponents (of the nine currently on the schedule) in the first four games of 2024.
Florida will take on one last out-of-conference before the calendar turns to the new year, and thus conference play, as it hosts Quinnipiac inside the Stephen C. O'Connell Center on Saturday.
The Gators are vying to go undefeated in the month of December with a win against the Bobcats, which would be their sixth straight victory.
Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. ET.
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