Nerlens Noel – photo by Tammie Brown | WildcatWorld.com
Scottie Wilbekin had 14 points and eight assists, Pat Young recorded his sixth double-double of the season and No. 7 Florida handled No. 25 Kentucky 69-52 on Tuesday night. The Gators (20-3, 10-1 Southeastern Conference) snapped a five-game losing streak in the series, and coach Billy Donovan improved to 2-7 against Kentucky’s John Calipari.
This one solidified Florida’s spot atop the league standings.
The Wildcats (17-7, 8-3) lost for the first time in six games, and it may have been costly.
Nerlens Noel, the nation’s leading shot-blocker, injured his left knee in the second half and did not return.
Noel, a freshman who averages 10.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.5 blocks a game for the defending national champions, landed awkwardly on his leg with about 8 minutes to play. He screamed in pain as trainers rushed to his side. Teammates carried him to the locker room for tests.
