The Kentucky Wildcats kicked off SEC play this afternoon as they welcomed the Florida Gators to Rupp Arena. In what was a back-and-forth affair to start, the Cats did just enough for the last 30 minutes to pull off another huge win in this young season, 106-100.

With the early tip-off, the question would be how would the teams come out and go from the tip. Well, the Gators started off hot on both ends of the floor, while the Cats had to work back from another slow start.

But as they have shown throughout the start of this season, it is really hard to count this Kentucky team down and out. After a 16-0 run led by Koby Brea and Otega Oweh and some excellent defense from Lamont Butler, the Cats headed into the half with a 10-point lead, 52-42.

Now the question became, what would the response be? Well, folks, it was two heavyweights in college basketball this season trading blows. Whether it be Koby Brea knocking down a 3 for the Cats or Walter Clayton and Alijah Martin knocking down some key shots to keep the Gators in it.

This first SEC game lived up to the hype.

Luckily for the BBN, the Cats came out on top, thanks to a solid second half from this veteran group.

Next on the schedule is a trip to Athens to face off with the Georgia Bulldogs on Tuesday night. You have to imagine that Stegeman Coliseum is going to be rocking with a potential top-5 UK team coming to town.

Now, let’s take a quick look at four things to know from today’s win over the Florida Gators.

Go Cats!

Slow starts continue

If there is one thing that drives the BBN crazy with this team, it is the slow starts. That continued once again today as the Cats got destroyed on both ends of the floor by a Gators team that answered the bell early and led 26-15 through the first nine minutes.

We have seen this Kentucky team respond coming out of the half several times this season, but we haven’t seen much in the first 10 minutes of the first half most of the time this season.

With a tough SEC schedule, that is going to have to change if this UK team wants to make some serious noise in conference play this season.

Otega Oweh and Koby Brea take over

About that previously mentioned slow start? Otega Oweh and Koby Brea made sure that didn’t continue for the remainder of the game, as the two combined for 39 points on 14/21 shooting.

Both players have shown throughout the non-conference they can take over the game at any moment, and they both showed that again today. Oweh continues to be a three-level scorer for the Cats, while Brea is starting to come into his own outside of just being an outside shooter.

If their play continues to trend upward, the heights this team can reach will definitely go up.

Rebounding remains an issue

One of the calling cards of this Florida team entering today’s game was their ability to crash the offensive glass. Well, that statement remained true as the Gators cruised past the Cats on the glass. Florida outrebounded Kentucky 38-30, including 15 offensive boards to the Cats’ nine.

The physicality of teams in the post, as well as on the glass, has continued to be a problem for this Kentucky team. They typically close the gap some throughout the remainder of the game, but it continues to be something to monitor as we dive into conference play.

Lamont Butler continues to step up

After his all-time performance against Louisville, Lamont Butler is continuing to prove to the college basketball world that he is a legitimate two-way player. Not only is he showcasing his ability to score it from all three levels, but he is also continuing to prove why he is one of the defenders in college basketball.

Butler finished this one with 19 points on 6/9 shooting and game-highs in assists (eight) and steals (three).

We have heard about how important landing a commitment from Lamont Butler was to Mark Pope and this staff. Now the fanbase and all of college basketball are seeing why.

Now, let’s celebrate the first signature win of 2025!

Go CATS!!