MENS BASKETBALL

Florida 94, Kentucky 91

GARY B. GRAVES
ASSOCIATED PRESS

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Walter Clayton Jr. made a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:42 remaining in overtime and added two insurance free throws with 16.4 seconds left to finish with 23 points, and Florida outlasted No. 10 Kentucky 94-91 for its fourth consecutive victory.

Clayton was 7 of 13 overall from behind the arc, with the first of his two clutch makes coming with 3 seconds left in regulation to force the extra five minutes at 84-all.

Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham made one of two free throws with 13.5 seconds remaining in regulation to give Kentucky an 84-81 lead before Clayton drained the tying 3.

Zyon Pullin finished with 21 points including three free throws in the final minute of overtime and Tyrese Samuel had 22 for the Gators (15-6, 5-3 Southeastern Conference), who avenged an earlier loss to the Wildcats.

Reed Sheppard had 24 points, Dillingham 20 and Antonio Reeves 19 for Kentucky (15-5, 5-3).

The tight game featured a remarkable 29 lead changes and 15 ties and the Gators even trailed by 10 late in the first half before closing to enter the second half down just 41-36.

The teams traded initial baskets in OT before Tre Mitchell’s free throw gave the Wildcats their last lead as Clayton drained a 3 from the left corner. Dillingham missed a 3 and Pullin added the free throws before Clayton sealed the game from the line.

Florida athletics press release

January 31, 2024