The score of today’s Gator game tells a story of "almost." If you just looked at the final numbers—Kentucky 94, Florida 89—you might think it was just another high-scoring SEC shootout. But it was way more than that.
The Gators didn't win. They lost. But they played like a team that belongs in the conversation.
The Numbers That Defined the Night
Honestly, the first quarter was a nightmare for Florida. Kentucky came out swinging and put up 29 points in the first ten minutes. Florida only managed 14. You’ve seen this script before, right? A slow start leads to a blowout.
But then something shifted.
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Basically, the Gators started hitting everything. By the time the third quarter wrapped up, Florida had poured in 35 points in a single frame. That’s not just "good shooting." That’s a total offensive explosion. They actually outscored the Wildcats in the second and third quarters combined.
- Final Score: Kentucky 94, Florida 89
- Key Performer: Me'Arah O'Neal (23 points, 9-of-11 from the free-throw line)
- The Spark: Liv McGill (20 points, 11 assists)
- The Difference: Turnovers and that first-quarter deficit.
Why the Score of Today's Gator Game Matters
You can’t talk about this game without mentioning the star power. Me'Arah O'Neal was a force. She played 28 minutes and was clinical from the charity stripe. When the game got tight in the fourth, she was the one demanding the ball.
Then there’s Liv McGill.
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She played nearly the entire game—over 38 minutes. She finished with a double-double, racking up 11 assists. She was the engine. However, she did turn it over 6 times, and in a five-point game, those mistakes feel like they weigh a hundred pounds.
Kentucky’s depth just barely outlasted them. The Wildcats are ranked No. 7 for a reason. They don't panic. Even when Florida cut the lead and made it a one-possession game late in the fourth, Kentucky found a way to get to the line and seal it.
What’s Next for Florida?
The men’s team is idle today, but they’re coming off a massive 96-79 win over Oklahoma. They head to Nashville tomorrow to take on No. 10 Vanderbilt. If you’re looking for the score of today’s Gator game for the men, you’ll have to wait until Saturday afternoon for their next result.
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As for the women, they are still hunting for that elusive first SEC win of the season. They are 0-4 in the conference now, but this 94-89 loss to a top-10 team feels different than the others. It feels like they’re finally figuring out who they are on the offensive end.
Protecting the ball has to be the priority. They’re averaging nearly 18 turnovers a game. You simply cannot beat elite teams like Kentucky or South Carolina when you're giving away that many possessions.
Keep an eye on the gymnastics team too. They’re hosting No. 4 Alabama tonight at the O’Dome. The energy in Gainesville is still high, even with the basketball heartbreak.
Next Steps for Gator Fans:
- Watch the replay of the third quarter if you want to see the best offensive stretch of the season.
- Check the injury report for the men’s game at Vanderbilt tomorrow; depth will be key in Nashville.
- Monitor Liv McGill’s assist-to-turnover ratio as she continues her freshman campaign; she’s becoming one of the most exciting guards in the country.