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Florida Basketball: 3 keys for Gators to defeat No. 7 Kentucky

By Matt Melton

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - FEBRUARY 12: Brandon McKissic #23 of the Florida Gators dribbles the ball in the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on February 12, 2022 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - FEBRUARY 12: Brandon McKissic #23 of the Florida Gators dribbles the ball in the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on February 12, 2022 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Florida Gators forward Colin Castleton (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

1. Oscar Tshiebwe

If you were to simply take a look back at either the box score or highlights from the previous meeting between the Wildcats and Gators, one thing becomes instantly clear – Oscar Tshiebwe dominated.

The frontrunner for the SEC Player of the Year, as well as a National Player of the Year candidate, Tshiebwe posted one of his most-memorable performances of the season against the Gators previously, accounting for 27 points and 19 rebounds (10 offensive rebounds) on 11-of-18 shooting.

No, you cannot completely stop a player as dominant on a consistent basis as Tshiebwe is. To be honest, it’s almost impossible to even “contain” him as Tshiebwe has only been held to two games of single-digit rebounds this season, as well as four games of single-digit scoring.

Plain and simple, Tshiebwe is going to get his (likely at-least 10 points and 10 rebounds). What Florida’s frontcourt of Castleton, Duruji, and Felder cannot do however is to allow Tshiebwe to completely takeover like the previous game (27/19).

If Tshiebwe has a massive game inside against the Gators once again, it will be tough for Florida to keep up with the Wildcats, bringing up an additional key to win for the Gators – keep the game within reach.

This game is in-fact in Gainesville, as you likely know, it’s never easy to win on the road in the SEC against any opponent, even if you’re one of the top teams in the entire country. If the Gators can keep this game close, all it takes is one run or a shot to go in to completely flip a game late in the second half.

Next. Top 5 non-conference SEC Football matchups in 2022. dark

The opportunity is there for Florida Basketball in a clear must-win game. Can they pickup yet another massive win on Saturday?

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