Kentucky welcomes Ohio’s top prospect Anthony Thompson for Florida showdown

The No. 10-ranked Kentucky Wildcats started their Southeastern Conference campaign with a bang, defeating the previously unbeaten No. 6-ranked Florida Gators 106-100 at Rupp Arena on Saturday. The Wildcats impressed the home crowd and Ohio’s top high school prospect, Anthony Thompson, who was in attendance, with a spirited and competitive performance.

Florida entered the game with a 13-0 record and a reputation for a strong defense, rebounding and balanced scoring under Todd Golden. Kentucky faced questions about consistency after losses to Clemson and Ohio earlier in the season but stepped up when it mattered the most.

Koby Brea recorded a career-high 23 points, including seven 3-pointers off the bench to energize the Wildcats. Lamont Butler also made a major impact with 19 points, eight assists and three steals, providing leadership on both ends of the court.

Freshman guard Travis Perry knocked down a crucial second half 3-pointer, earning applause from the Rupp Arena crowd and praise from Kentucky coach Mark Pope.

Anthony Thompson’s visit draws attention from a wild Rupp Arena crowd

Syndication: The Enquirer - Source: Imagn

Anthony Thompson, a 6-foot-8 small forward from Western Reserve Academy and one of the most sought-after recruits in the country, added extra buzz to the game. Kentucky has made Thompson a priority, offering him a full scholarship during "Big Blue Madness" in October. His visit further demonstrated the program’s commitment to recruiting top-tier talent and building a strong foundation for the future.

The atmosphere at Rupp Arena was electric, with fans rallying behind the Wildcats throughout the game. Kentucky’s offense was on full display, with 14 made 3-pointers and 25 assists. On defense, the Wildcats made key adjustments to limit Florida’s second chance opportunities and hold off its late-game push.

What’s next for the Kentucky Wildcats?

NCAA Basketball: Florida at Kentucky - Source: Imagn

This victory sets a positive tone for Kentucky’s SEC schedule and highlights the team’s potential to compete against the best. It also strengthened its pitch to Thompson, giving him a firsthand look at the program’s energy and passion.

The Wildcats will be back in action on Tuesday when they host the Georgia Bulldogs in what promises to be another intense matchup.