Lexington, Kentucky, January 16, 2026
In a thrilling matchup, the No. 7 Kentucky Wildcats outlasted the Florida Gators with a 94-89 win. Led by Tonie Morgan’s stellar performance of 26 points and 13 assists, the Wildcats improved to 17-2 overall. Despite a strong challenge from the Gators, who boasted standout performances from Me’Arah O’Neal and Liv McGill, Kentucky’s late-game execution sealed the victory and extended their home winning streak to 10 games. The Wildcats are set to face Mississippi State next, while Florida aims to rebound against Missouri.
Lexington, Kentucky
Tonie Morgan led the No. 7 Kentucky Wildcats to a 94-89 victory over the Florida Gators on Thursday night, recording a season-high 26 points and 13 assists. This win improved Kentucky’s record to 17-2, with a 4-1 mark in the Southeastern Conference, and extended their home winning streak to 10-0. Florida, now 12-8 overall and 0-5 in the SEC, mounted a strong challenge but ultimately fell short.
Game Highlights
In addition to Morgan’s standout performance, Clara Strack contributed 21 points for Kentucky. Teammates Jordan Obi, Amelia Hassett, and Asia Boone each added 12 points. Strack faced foul trouble, spending significant time on the bench during the third quarter and fouling out with 13 seconds remaining. For Florida, Me’Arah O’Neal led with 23 points, marking her highest in an SEC game and just one point shy of her career best. Liv McGill also had a notable performance, recording 20 points and 11 assists, while Jade Weathersby added 18 points.
Game Progression
The game saw several lead changes. Florida trailed 45-38 at halftime but outscored Kentucky 35-21 in the third quarter, taking a 73-66 lead into the final period. Kentucky regained the lead with 3:34 remaining, and after multiple lead changes, Strack’s two free throws with two minutes left put the Wildcats ahead for good at 88-87. The game concluded with key contributions from Boone, who sealed the win with a floater and two free throws in the final seconds.
Team Updates
Kentucky played without senior forward Teonni Key, their third-leading scorer averaging 11 points per game. Key is recovering from an elbow injury sustained in a 74-52 win over Missouri on January 4. The Wildcats are scheduled to face Mississippi State on Sunday, while Florida will host Missouri on the same day.
Upcoming Games
- Florida Gators: Hosts Missouri on Sunday.
- Kentucky Wildcats: At Mississippi State on Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who led the Kentucky Wildcats in scoring against Florida?
Tonie Morgan led the Kentucky Wildcats with a season-high 26 points and 13 assists in their 94-89 victory over Florida.
What was the final score of the Kentucky vs. Florida game?
The final score was Kentucky 94, Florida 89.
Who were the top scorers for Florida in the game?
Me’Arah O’Neal led Florida with 23 points, while Liv McGill added 20 points and 11 assists, and Jade Weathersby scored 18 points.
What is Kentucky’s current record after the win over Florida?
After the win over Florida, Kentucky’s record improved to 17-2, with a 4-1 mark in the Southeastern Conference.
When is Kentucky’s next game?
Kentucky is scheduled to play at Mississippi State on Sunday.
Key Features of the Game
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Top Scorer for Kentucky | Tonie Morgan with 26 points and 13 assists |
| Top Scorer for Florida | Me’Arah O’Neal with 23 points |
| Final Score | Kentucky 94, Florida 89 |
| Kentucky’s Record After Game | 17-2, 4-1 SEC |
| Florida’s Record After Game | 12-8, 0-5 SEC |
| Next Game for Kentucky | At Mississippi State on Sunday |
| Next Game for Florida | Hosts Missouri on Sunday |
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