LEXINGTON, Ky. (Interstat) — Tonie Morgan scored 26 points and dished 13 assists to lead No. 17 Kentucky to a 94-89 victory over Florida in a Southeastern Conference women’s basketball game Thursday night at Rupp Arena. The Wildcats, now 17-2, raced to a 29-14 lead after one quarter but the Gators (12-8) stormed back, using a 35-point third quarter to close the gap. Kentucky sealed the win at the free-throw line in the final minute. Morgan’s double-double paced five Wildcats in double figures, including Clara Strack’s 21 points. Florida’s Me’Arah O’Neal scored 23 points and Liv McGill added 20 points and 11 assists in the loss before a crowd of 3,368.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Interstat) — In a Southeastern Conference women’s basketball thriller defined by explosive runs and a masterful individual performance, No. 13 Kentucky outlasted a furious Florida comeback to secure a 94-89 victory on Thursday night at Rupp Arena. The game’s pivotal moment arrived in the final minute, transforming a back-and-forth contest into a dramatic finish. With Kentucky clinging to a 90-89 lead and 20 seconds remaining, Florida’s Liv McGill drove into the lane but had her pass stolen by Kentucky’s Jordan Obi. Forced to foul, the Gators sent Asia Boone to the line, where she sank both free throws to push the Wildcats’ lead to 92-89 with 16 seconds left. Florida had a chance to tie, but Me’Arah O’Neal’s three-point attempt was blocked by Kentucky’s Clara Strack. After a scramble for the loose ball, Florida’s Alexia Dizeko fouled Tonie Morgan, who made one of two free throws for a 93-89 edge. O’Neal secured the defensive rebound, but her desperation layup in traffic missed as time expired, sealing the Wildcats’ hard-fought win. The contest was a tale of contrasting halves and relentless momentum swings. Kentucky, playing before a crowd of 3,368, stormed out of the gate, leveraging a 29-point first quarter to build a commanding 15-point lead. The Wildcats’ offense flowed through point guard Tonie Morgan, a Tallahassee, Florida, native who orchestrated the attack with precision against her home-state school. Florida, however, refused to capitulate. The Gators chipped away in the second quarter and then unleashed a stunning 35-point third quarter, overtaking the Wildcats and seizing a 66-64 lead heading into the final period. The surge was fueled by the inside-outside combination of O’Neal and McGill, who repeatedly punctured the Kentucky defense. The fourth quarter became a tense, high-stakes affair featuring eight lead changes and five ties. Neither team led by more than five points in the final frame. Kentucky’s experience and composure in the closing minutes, particularly on defense and at the free-throw line, proved decisive. Morgan was the undisputed star for Kentucky, delivering a career-defining performance with 26 points and 13 assists. She controlled the tempo throughout, consistently breaking down Florida’s defense and setting up teammates. Her backcourt leadership was instrumental in weathering Florida’s second-half onslaught. Strack provided a massive interior presence for the Wildcats, scoring 21 points and recording three blocks, including the critical late-game rejection. Amelia Hassett added 12 points, and Jordan Obi contributed 12 points and key defensive plays. Florida’s effort was led by a trio of standout performers. O’Neal, a 6-foot-4 post from Houston, dominated inside for 23 points. McGill, the 5-foot-9 guard from Minneapolis, posted a double-double with 20 points and 11 assists, directing the Gators’ potent second-half offense. Jade Weathersby provided crucial scoring off the bench with 18 points. The loss extended Florida’s recent struggles, dropping its record to 12-8 overall and 0-5 in the SEC. The Gators have now lost five consecutive conference games. Kentucky improved to 17-2 overall and 4-1 in the SEC, rebounding from a road loss at Alabama its last time out. Statistically, the game was an offensive showcase with both teams shooting efficiently from the floor. The combined score of 182 points far exceeded the pregame over/under line of 137.5, though Kentucky failed to cover the pregame spread of -17.5 points as a heavy favorite. According to National Statistical’s ELO system, Kentucky entered the game with a 92.6% probability to win. Florida next hosts Missouri on Sunday, seeking its first conference victory. Kentucky hits the road for a key SEC matchup at Mississippi State, also on Sunday.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Interstat) — The surging Kentucky Wildcats, boasting one of the nation’s top records, will host a struggling Florida Gators team seeking a season-altering upset in a Southeastern Conference women’s basketball clash Thursday night at Rupp Arena. Kentucky (16-2, 3-1 SEC) has established itself as a conference contender, with its only losses coming on the road against ranked opponents Alabama and Maryland. The Wildcats are powered by dynamic guard Tonie Morgan, who is coming off a 22-point, 4-assist performance in a win over Oklahoma and has recorded double-doubles in points and assists twice in the last four games. Her playmaking, alongside the interior presence of Clara Strack, has fueled an efficient offense. Florida (12-7, 0-4 SEC) arrives in Lexington mired in a five-game losing streak, all against conference foes. The Gators’ last win came on Dec. 28 against Furman. They are led by forward Me’Arah O’Neal, who scored 22 points and blocked four shots in that victory. O’Neal has been a consistent contributor, averaging 11.8 points and 5.6 rebounds over her last five outings, but Florida has struggled to find consistent scoring support. In their most recent game, Florida fell 60-50 at Auburn despite 14 points from Liv McGill. Kentucky grinded out a 63-57 home win over Oklahoma, led by Morgan’s 22 points. The Wildcats’ defense, which has held opponents to 60 points or fewer in 11 games this season, will look to contain an inconsistent Gators attack. The matchup pits Kentucky’s conference-best aspirations against Florida’s desperate need to stop its skid. A win for the Wildcats would solidify their standing, while the Gators aim to salvage their SEC campaign with a monumental road victory. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST at Rupp Arena.