LEXINGTON, Ky. (Interstat) — The Florida Gators built a large early lead and withstood a fierce second-half rally to defeat the Kentucky Wildcats 84-77 in a Southeastern Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Rupp Arena.

Florida dominated the first half, taking a 49-32 lead into halftime behind 20 points from Thomas Haugh. Kentucky stormed back after the break, outscoring the Gators 45-35 behind a game-high 28 points from Otega Oweh, but could not close the gap entirely. Boogie Fland added 16 points and six assists for Florida, which improved to 25-6. Denzel Aberdeen scored 15 for Kentucky, which fell to 19-12 before a crowd of 20,140.