In the SEC opener for both teams at the O’Connell Center, the No. 6 Wildcats managed to escape with an 87-85 victory against the Gators. Freshman big Aaron Bradshaw’s 3-pointer with 1:21 remaining was the game-winning shot. Kentucky’s rebounding was a concern, but they grabbed just three fewer boards than the hosts. The Wildcats held their own and even scored more points in the paint than the Gators.

Unlike earlier games this season, when the UK won with ease as its offense flustered opponents with ruthless efficiency, Saturday was far from a masterpiece. The Wildcats shot only 25% beyond the arc and had more turnovers (nine) than assists (six). They led for just 5:25, compared to the Gators’ 28:35 on the scoreboard.

A thrilling match-up of blue jerseys

During the recent basketball match between Kentucky and Florida, the Wildcats’ freshmen displayed some impressive skills which led to their win against the Gators. Despite struggling to perform well during the first half and falling behind by 45-37, the Wildcats managed to make a comeback.

Aaron Bradshaw, a freshman center, hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key with only 1:27 remaining, which gave the Wildcats their first lead since the beginning of the second half. Reed Sheppard, another freshman player, made 6 out of 6 free throws during the final 20 seconds, which ultimately helped the Wildcats secure the victory.

Kentucky, which entered the match ranked No. 2 for 3-point shooting percentage nationally at 41.6%, made just one of ten attempts from beyond the arc during the first half. Florida, on the other hand, sank eight 3-pointers by halftime, including Zyon Pullin’s logo heave, as well as another try that banked in off the glass.

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Bradshaw struggled to counter Florida’s front-line physicality during the first half, but the Wildcats senior duo, guard Antonio Reeves and forward Tre Mitchell, were a steady presence. Reeves scored a team-high 19 points, and Mitchell posted a double-double with 12 points and a team-leading 10 rebounds.

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Kentucky’s freshmen are must-watch

During the first half of the game, Kentucky’s five main freshman players struggled with their shooting, only managing to make 5 of 16 attempts and scoring a total of 13 points. Meanwhile, Florida’s dominant performance was fueled by their successful 3-pointers. However, the second half saw a significant improvement from the freshman players, who made 11 of 18 shots from the field and 12 of 17 free throws, scoring a combined 37 points out of Kentucky’s 50 points in the second half.

Bradshaw’s impressive late 3-pointer was a positive sign for both the Wildcats and his NBA draft prospects. Despite his reputation as a defensive player and potential lob threat, his consistent display of a 3-point shot could propel him to the top of the draft board in a draft class that is relatively weak.

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