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On Tuesday, the Kentucky Wildcats blew a 17-point lead in a loss to Tennessee.
On Saturday, the script was flipped, as the Wildcats overcame an 18-point deficit to rally past the Florida Gators, 71-70.
The play of the game came with 12 seconds remaining, as Keion Brooks missed a driving baseline layup before EJ Montgomery tipped it in for a 71-70 lead, but it was initially waived off as a cylinder violation. Officials reviewed the shot and gave Montgomery the basket with 11.8 seconds left for the Wildcats’ first lead of the game.
After UK got a stop defensively, Nick Richards missed the front end of a one-and-one, giving Florida a final chance to win it, but Andrew Nembhard’s three-point attempt bounced twice off the rim before missing, giving UK one of the wildest wins of the John Calipari era.
Despite the missed free throw, Richards was the star of the game, scoring 17 of his 19 points in the second half to help UK win after trailing 59-41 with 12 minutes left.
UK played without Ashton Hagans, who sat out due to personal reasons. He’s expected to be back for the postseason. Tyrese Maxey took over the point guard duties and finished with seven assists vs. one turnover but shot just 1/11 from the field.
Up next, UK will make its SEC Tournament debut in the Quarterfinal Round on Friday against the winner of Thursday’s Tennessee vs. Alabama matchup.
Use this stream to keep track of out postgame coverage from win No. 25 for the Wildcats.