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Gainesville Today
By the People, for the People
Kentucky Wildcats Lose to Florida Gators, Seek Revenge in Rupp Arena
Kentucky covered the 13.5-point spread but couldn't overcome Florida's strong shooting performance.
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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The Kentucky Wildcats traveled to Gainesville to take on the defending national champion Florida Gators, but came up short in a 92-83 loss. While Kentucky covered the 13.5-point spread, the Gators' strong shooting, particularly from three-point range, proved too much for the Wildcats to overcome. Kentucky will now look to seek revenge when the two teams meet again on March 7th in Rupp Arena, a game that will have major implications for seeding in the SEC Tournament and NCAA Tournament.
Why it matters
This loss to Florida is a setback for Kentucky, but the Wildcats have a chance to redeem themselves when the teams meet again in Rupp Arena. The March 7th matchup will be a crucial game for Kentucky's postseason positioning, as they look to finish the regular season strong against a tough upcoming schedule.
The details
Kentucky struggled to contain Florida's top shooters, Xaivian Lee and Urban Klavzar, who combined to make 9 of the Gators' 10 three-pointers. The Wildcats also had trouble taking care of the ball, committing 14 turnovers that Florida converted into 25 points. While Kentucky kept the second-chance points close, they were outrebounded 45-37 by the Gators.
- The game was played on Saturday, February 14, 2026 in Gainesville, Florida.
- The rematch between Kentucky and Florida will take place on March 7, 2026 in Rupp Arena.
The players
Mark Pope
The head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team.
Xaivian Lee
One of the top shooters for the Florida Gators men's basketball team.
Urban Klavzar
Another top shooter for the Florida Gators men's basketball team.
Denzel Aberdeen
A guard for the Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team.
Rueben Chinyelu
A center for the Florida Gators men's basketball team.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This loss to Florida highlights the challenges Kentucky faces in their tough remaining schedule, but also provides them with a chance for redemption when the teams meet again in Rupp Arena. The March 7th matchup will be a crucial game for the Wildcats' postseason positioning, and they will need to shore up their defensive weaknesses and take better care of the ball if they hope to beat the Gators on their home court.
