Florida Gators Defeat Kentucky Wildcats 84-77
Saturday, March 7, 2026, 4:00 PM ET · Rupp Arena
Florida Gators 84, Kentucky Wildcats 77, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Florida Gators vs Kentucky Wildcats?
Florida Gators beat Kentucky Wildcats 84-77 at Rupp Arena on March 7, 2026.
Who was favored in Florida Gators vs Kentucky Wildcats?
Florida Gators were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -258 (about 72% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Florida Gators triumphed over the Kentucky Wildcats with a final score of 84-77 at Rupp Arena. This victory is significant for Florida, as they extended their winning streak to ten games, showcasing their dominance in recent performances. The Gators, with an impressive away record of 25-6, have been in formidable form, averaging 93.2 points scored while allowing just 70.0 points in their last ten games. In contrast, Kentucky has struggled recently, finishing their last ten games with a record of 5-5, and they have averaged 79.1 points scored while allowing 79.5 points during that stretch.
The game began with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities, but Florida's recent form clearly gave them the edge. The Gators had previously defeated the Wildcats in their last meeting on February 14, 2026, with a score of 92-83. This win not only reaffirmed Florida's superiority over Kentucky this season but also highlighted their ability to perform well in high-pressure situations.
At home, Kentucky has a record of 19-12, with a home record of 3-1 in their last four games. However, their recent performance has not been as strong, as they are coming off a loss to Texas A&M. The Wildcats' last five games yielded a record of 2-3, indicating some inconsistency in their play. In contrast, Florida has been perfect in their last ten games, including a recent 108-74 victory against Mississippi State, which further solidified their confidence entering this matchup.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details on player availability, but both teams have had to manage their rosters throughout the season. The absence of key players can often shift the dynamics of a game, particularly in a matchup of this magnitude.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Florida as the favorites with a spread of 5.5 points, and a money line of -258 for the Gators compared to +210 for the Wildcats. The total points line was set at 162.5, reflecting the expectation of a high-scoring game, which ultimately proved accurate given the final score.
Conditions at Rupp Arena were typical for a late-season college basketball game, with both teams facing the pressure of postseason implications. Fans witnessed a high-energy atmosphere, which often plays a crucial role in the performance of home teams like Kentucky.
As the game unfolded, viewers could observe Florida’s strategic use of free throws to maintain their lead in the closing moments. Key players such as Otega Oweh and Boogie Fland made critical free throws that helped secure the victory for the Gators, demonstrating their composure under pressure. The Wildcats, despite their efforts, could not close the gap, ultimately leading to their defeat.
In summary, Florida's victory over Kentucky not only highlights their current form but also sets the stage for their continued success as they move towards the postseason. The Gators' ability to perform away from home, coupled with their recent winning streak, positions them as a formidable opponent in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | FLA -5.5 | 162.5 o -115 / u -105 | Florida Gators -258 · Kentucky Wildcats +210 |
Leaders
- PointsOtega Oweh28Kentucky Wildcats
- AssistsDenzel Aberdeen4Kentucky Wildcats
- ReboundsMouhamed Dioubate6Kentucky Wildcats
- PointsThomas Haugh20Florida Gators
- AssistsBoogie Fland6Florida Gators
- ReboundsThomas Haugh9Florida Gators
Recent form
Kentucky Wildcats
Last 10: 5-5Streak L179.1 scored · 79.5 allowed per game3-1 at home
- L85-96at Texas A&M AggiesMar 4
- W91-77vs Vanderbilt CommodoresFeb 28
- W72-63at South Carolina GamecocksFeb 25
- L74-75at Auburn TigersFeb 22
- L78-86vs Georgia BulldogsFeb 18
- L83-92at Florida GatorsFeb 14
- W74-71vs Tennessee VolunteersFeb 8
- W94-78vs Oklahoma SoonersFeb 5
- W85-77at Arkansas RazorbacksJan 31
- L55-80at Vanderbilt CommodoresJan 28
Florida Gators
Last 10: 10-0Streak W1093.2 scored · 70 allowed per game5-0 away
- W108-74vs Mississippi State BulldogsMar 4
- W111-77vs Arkansas RazorbacksMar 1
- W84-71at Texas LonghornsFeb 26
- W94-75at Ole Miss RebelsFeb 21
- W76-62vs South Carolina GamecocksFeb 18
- W92-83vs Kentucky WildcatsFeb 14
- W86-66at Georgia BulldogsFeb 12
- W86-67at Texas A&M AggiesFeb 8
- W100-77vs Alabama Crimson TideFeb 1
- W95-48at South Carolina GamecocksJan 29
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 27-8 | - | 16-2 |
| Arkansas | 28-9 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Alabama | 25-10 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Vanderbilt | 27-9 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Tennessee | 25-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Texas A&M | 22-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Georgia | 22-11 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Kentucky | 22-14 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Missouri | 20-13 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Texas | 21-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Auburn | 22-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma | 21-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Mississippi State | 13-19 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Ole Miss | 15-20 | 12 | 4-14 |
| South Carolina | 13-19 | 12 | 4-14 |
| LSU | 15-17 | 13 | 3-15 |
Box score
| Stat | Florida Gators | Kentucky Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-61 | 26-66 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 39 |
| Three-pointers | 8-18 | 8-23 |
| Three-point % | 44 | 35 |
| Free throws | 20-32 | 17-21 |
| Free throw % | 63 | 81 |
| Rebounds | 41 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 14 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 26 |
| Assists | 20 | 17 |
| Steals | 7 | 7 |
| Blocks | 6 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 2 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 24 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 32 |
| Fouls | 16 | 25 |
| Largest lead | 20 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 99 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half61-43Rueben Chinyelu makes 4-foot jumper (Isaiah Brown assists)
- 2nd Half61-44Denzel Aberdeen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-45Denzel Aberdeen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-48Jasper Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Otega Oweh assists)
- 2nd Half64-48Isaiah Brown makes 24-foot three point jumper (Xaivian Lee assists)
- 2nd Half66-48Thomas Haugh makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half67-48Rueben Chinyelu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-48Rueben Chinyelu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-50Malachi Moreno makes 5-foot hook shot (Andrija Jelavic assists)
- 2nd Half68-53Andrija Jelavic makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jasper Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half69-53Boogie Fland makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half71-53Xaivian Lee makes layup (Alex Condon assists)
- 2nd Half71-55Otega Oweh makes 13-foot jumper (Collin Chandler assists)
- 2nd Half71-57Denzel Aberdeen makes 4-foot jumper
- 2nd Half71-58Otega Oweh makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-59Otega Oweh makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-59Alex Condon makes 21-foot jumper (Thomas Haugh assists)
- 2nd Half73-61Mouhamed Dioubate makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half73-62Otega Oweh makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-63Otega Oweh makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-63Alex Condon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-64Mouhamed Dioubate makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-66Mouhamed Dioubate makes 4-foot jumper (Denzel Aberdeen assists)
- 2nd Half76-66Alex Condon makes layup
- 2nd Half76-68Denzel Aberdeen makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half77-68Rueben Chinyelu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-70Otega Oweh makes layup
- 2nd Half78-70Thomas Haugh makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-72Malachi Moreno makes 1-foot dunk (Denzel Aberdeen assists)
- 2nd Half79-72Boogie Fland makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-72Boogie Fland makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-73Otega Oweh makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half80-74Otega Oweh makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half80-75Otega Oweh makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half81-75Boogie Fland makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-75Boogie Fland makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-76Denzel Aberdeen makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half82-77Denzel Aberdeen makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half83-77Xaivian Lee makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-77Xaivian Lee makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Kentucky Wildcats, below favours Florida Gators.
Venue
- Rupp ArenaLexington, KY
- Attendance20140
- OfficialsJeb Hardness, Joe Lindsay, Vladimir Voyard-Tadal
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond