Skip to main content
Postgame thoughts from Kentucky's 94-91 overtime loss to Florida

Takeaways: Despite a massive game from Ugonna Onyenso the Wildcats fell short against Florida

What can we take away from Kentucky's 94-91 loss to Florida?

In this story:

Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky Wildcats
Florida Gators
Florida Gators

The Kentucky Wildcats lost in overtime to the Florida Gators 94-91. 

This loss hurts a team looking for momentum with a really good Tennessee basketball team coming into Rupp Arena. A clutch shot fell for the Florida Gators that got this game into overtime, and they played better in the extra five minutes. 

What can we take away from Kentucky's overtime loss to the Florida Gators? 

Reed Sheppard looked good running the offense

Jan 31, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Reed Sheppard (15) talks with head coach John Calipari during the first half against the Florida Gators at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the loss, Reed Sheppard had a really good game for the Kentucky Wildcats, scoring 24 points on 10-18 shooting. He also added eight rebounds, six assists, two blocks, and a steal to the stat sheet. Dick Vitale begged for Sheppard to shoot the basketball more, and over these past two games, he has gotten his wish. With DJ Wagner out in this game Sheppard had to be the general and he did a really good job. Sheppard just continues to shine every time he steps foot on the basketball court. 

Ugonna Onyenso was incredible

Kentucky's Ugonna Onyenso (33) blocked the shot of Florida's Tyrese Samuel (4) during first half action as the Kentucky Wildcats battled the Florida Gators Wednesday night at Rupp Arena. Jan. 31, 2024

Ugonna Onyenso has been looking better and better each game but really took the step to the next level in this game where he started. He scored 13 points while bringing in 16 rebounds and blocking eight shots. The healthier he gets, Onyenso will become more and more of a menace in the SEC. Onyenso will hit his stride right when the SEC Tournament gets here.

The clutch shots fell for Florida and not the Wildcats

Jan 31, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) shoots the ball during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

It took some clutch shots for the Florida Gators to stay in this basketball game and a late three to get this game into overtime. Sometimes clutch shots fall for one team and don't for the other, and that's what happened in this game. This will be in Kentucky's favor at some point, but clutch shots will be important in March, so in games like this, while the loss hurts, it helps that this team is getting used to playing close games late. 

What's next? 

Kentucky will host the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday in what will be a matchup of two of the best teams in the SEC. Both teams are 0-1 so far this week and don't want to go 0-2. This game will be played at 8:30 pm ET and can be watched on ESPN. 

© 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.