Gators Smother Big Blue, Snap Streak

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - The Florida Gators knocked off Kentucky 69-52 Tuesday night using some vintage Billy Donovan style basketball and a smothering defense. UF held the Wildcats to just 52 points snapping a streak of five straight UK wins in the series. The defensive effort is even more impressive when you consider they did it without defensive stopper Will Yeguete. The Gators are playing without Yeguete for the rest of the regular season as he recovers from a minor knee surgery.

Stepping in to fill the void on this night was Casey Prather. The Junior contributed 12 points and some charges on the defensive end of the floor. Joining him with a strong effort on D was former Providence star Patric Young who went head to head with the Wildcats big man Nerlens Noel. Before Noel left with a knee injury Young was making every possession in the paint a battle.

As far as scoring goes UF made coach Donovan proud spreading the points around with five players in double digits. Scottie Wilbekin led the way with 14. Florida now hits the road for games at Auburn and Missouri before a chance to avenge their lone conference loss off the season to Arkansas.