- This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Kentucky (17-7) vs Florida (18-6)
- When: Feb 14 2026, 3:00 PM
- Where: Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Where to watch: ABC
(25) Kentucky vs (14) Florida Preview & Prediction
Spread: Florida -13.5
Moneyline: Florida (-1000)
Total: 155.0
Kentucky Wildcats: Ranked Again Wildcats
Kentucky started the season like a team searching for its WiFi password. Now? They are fully connected, ranked again, and acting like they never left the national conversation.
After stumbling out of the gate at 9-6, the Wildcats have flipped the script. Big comeback wins, rivalry revenge, and a steady climb back into the Top 25 have changed the vibe completely. Twice they stared down Tennessee, twice they erased double digit deficits, and twice they walked off smiling while everyone else checked their brackets in disbelief.
Otega Oweh has been the steady scoring engine, while Collin Chandler has developed a flair for the dramatic. This team no longer panics when trailing. They just tighten the screws and start chipping away. That matters when you are catching 13.5 points on the road.
From a betting angle, Kentucky does not need to win this game outright to cash. They need to keep it competitive and avoid long scoring droughts. Their recent form suggests they can hang with elite competition, especially if this becomes a shot making contest late.
Florida Gators: Gainesville Point Factory
Florida is not messing around. The Gators are rolling, stacking double digit wins and defending their home floor like it is sacred territory. Since a hiccup against Auburn, they have been blasting opponents with balanced scoring and efficient guard play.
Thomas Haugh leads the way offensively, while Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu control the paint. The guard duo of Xaivian Lee and Boogie Fland has been sharp, pushing tempo and taking care of the basketball. When Florida gets out in transition, it can feel like a track meet nobody else trained for.
Laying 13.5 at home makes sense given their dominance and consistency. Eight of their last nine wins have come comfortably. If they dictate pace and build an early cushion, this could look like another routine SEC flex.
Betting Breakdown and Prediction
The total at 155.0 suggests points will come in bunches. Kentucky’s offense is humming again, and Florida thrives when games open up.
Florida should win this matchup. They are deeper, hotter at home, and playing with confidence. But Kentucky’s resilience and recent track record against quality teams point to a tighter margin than the number suggests.
Expect Florida to control most of the afternoon, but Kentucky keeps swinging and stays within striking distance.
Final Score: Florida 84, Kentucky 74
Lean: Kentucky +13.5
Total: Over 155.0
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
