Talking points

Rupp Arena was buzzing over a battle of the SEC's top two teams. Florida opened the game with six points, then UK answered with nine straight. It was sloppy early, and UK struggled for a while finding offensive flow. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist went to work, and UK went on a 10-2 run for a 27-19 lead. UK's defense stayed strong, and Doron Lamb swished a couple of three-pointers as UK pulled ahead 38-26 at the half. Darius Miller ignited an early second-half run, and UK was up 48-30 by the first media timeout. The anticipated test from No. 8 Florida never came.

Telling numbers

■ Florida, leading the nation with 10.5 made three-pointers a game, was 6-for-27. UK was 9-for-15.

■ UK missed seven shots and had two turnovers before scoring.

■ After missing its first seven shots, UK hit 20 of its next 28.

■ UK made all 11 free throws. Over its last three games, it is 51-for-58.

■ It was UK's largest margin of victory over a top-10 team since beating Indiana 99-65 on Dec. 7, 1996.

Thumbs up

■ When the lights get bright, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist shines. He had 10 points and nine rebounds in the first half.

■ Kentucky's defense remains stellar. Nothing came easy for Florida.

■ Marquis Teague had a career-high 10 assists.

Thumbs down

■ Some sloppy play early was about the only flaw in this one.