The second-half magic the Gators had in their first two games in the SEC Tournament pulled a disappearing act on Sunday.
Kentucky's defense played a huge role in the loss, holding the Gators to their second-fewest points of the season in a 70-54 win in the SEC Tournament championship game Sunday afternoon at the Georgia Dome.
Florida trailed 34-29 at halftime, the third consecutive game the Gators went into the break on the wrong side of the score. They overcome a five-point halftime deficit to beat Tennessee on Friday and stormed back from a 12-point deficit in the second half to beat Vanderbilt on Saturday.
However, the Wildcats (25-8) opened the second half on a 7-0 run and never looked back in winning their 27th SEC Tournament title. The Gators were seeking their fourth conference tournament title but never found any kind of offensive rhythm.
Florida's biggest lead came in the first half, 24-21, on a basket by freshman Patric Young. However, Kentucky quickly regained control by scoring nine consecutive points and Florida never led again.
The Gators shot only 38.6 percent (22 of 57) and 7 of 20 from three-point range in losing their second consecutive game to Kentucky. Since Feb. 1, Florida is 10-2, with both losses coming to the Wildcats.
Kenny Boynton was the only Gator to finish in double figures, scoring a team-high 10 points.
The Gators (26-7) will find out later this evening where they will open the NCAA Tournament on Thursday.
