Takeaways: The Kentucky Wildcats take down Florida 87-85 to start SEC play 1-0

What can we take away from Kentucky's win over the Florida Gators?

Author:
Andrew Stefaniak
Publish date:
Jan 6, 2024 3:40 PM EST

In this story:

Kentucky started SEC play off with a massive win over the Florida Gators 87-85 in Gainesville.

The Cats were down eight points at the half but came out strong to start the second half and found a way to win a tight game late.

This game is a testament to the grittiness of this Kentucky team and will serve them well playing on the road in SEC play down the road.

What can we take away from Kentucky's 87-85 win over the Florida Gators?

The freshman settled in for the most part

Jan 6, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Aaron Bradshaw (2) shoots the ball during the first half against the Florida Gators at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports — © Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

Early in this game, the freshman made some freshman mistakes, but for the most part, they settled in late in the game. Reed Sheppard and Aaron Bradshaw both didn't play great in the first half but were a big part of why the Cats were able to close down the game late. Bradshaw got a huge block and made a three, and Sheppard made his free throws late to seal the win. In a game where the freshman made some mistakes, this team still found a way to win.

DJ Wagner, Tre Mitchell, Antonio Reeves were huge

Jan 6, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard D.J. Wagner (21) dribbles the ball at Florida Gators guard Riley Kugel (2) during the first half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports — © Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

DJ Wagner, Tre Mitchell, and Antonio Reeves were all huge in this game. They combined 45 points, and the veteran leadership from Mitchell and Reeves was easy to see. Wagner made a big three, got to the rim, and finished with ease all game long. These three players will all be vital for Kentucky's run in March.

Rob Dillingham struggled

Jan 6, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Rob Dillingham (0) moves to the basket against Florida Gators forward Tyrese Samuel (4) during the first half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports — © Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

Rob Dillingham had a rough game for the Cats, going 2-7 from the field, only scoring four points and turning the basketball over four times. There is no reason to panic about Dillingham because this is just the way he plays. He will have some games where he is the best player on the floor and some where he struggles. The key is finding a way to win, and the Cats did that in this game. I expect a big stat line from Dillingham in Rupp Arena on Tuesday.

The Cats found a way

Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari reacts from the sideline. The Florida men s basketball team hosted the Kentucky Wildcats at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O Connell Center in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, January 6, 2024 during the first half. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner] — © Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner / USA TODAY NETWORK

The plain and simple takeaway from this game is that the Cats found a way to win an ugly game on the road in a challenging environment. All games aren't going to be perfect, and the key is leaving with the win. That is what the Cats did, and they are heading back to Lexington 1-0 in SEC play. This gritty win will serve the team well when they play in tough places the rest of the year.