3 things to know about the Florida Gators

Kentucky returns to Rupp Arena tomorrow to take on the Florida Gators. What are some of the most important things to know about the opponent?

The No. 10 Kentucky Wildcats return home to Rupp Arena tomorrow for a matchup with the Florida Gators.

Florida comes into this contest riding a three-game winning streak including a 102-98 overtime win over the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday.

What are three of the most important things to know about the Gators?

Florida shoots the ball well

As a team, Florida is shooting 45.9% from the field, 33.1% from 3-point range and 68.5% from the free-throw line.

The Gators have multiple players who are capable of scoring which makes things difficult for Kentucky's defense that has struggled at times this season.

If Kentucky has an off day offensively, it could fall behind quickly.

Florida's dynamic guard duo needs to be contained

Florida has two highly skilled guards in Walter Clayton Jr. and Zyon Pullin.

Clayton, a 6-foot-2 junior from Lake Wales, Florida, leads the Gators in scoring with 15.9 points per game. He also averages 3.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. He also shoots 43.1% from the field.

Pullin, a 6-foot-4 senior from Pleasant Hill, California, averages 14.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. He also shoots 43.2% from the field.

Containing these two needs to be a priority for Kentucky.

Florida is difficult to out-rebound

Florida averages 44.7 rebounds per game to Kentucky's 38.1.

The Gators are led in rebounding by 6-foot-10 senior forward Tyrese Samuel who averages 8.3 per game.

This is a game that could be won on the glass.

Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET and the broadcast can be found on ESPN.


Published
Daniel Locke
DANIEL LOCKE

Daniel is a staff writer for four Sports Illustrated/FanNation sites: Auburn Daily, Braves Today, Inside the Marlins and Wildcats Today. Additionally, he serves as the Auburn Athletics beat reporter for 1819 News. He is a junior at Auburn University majoring in journalism.