In two epic duels a season ago, Oscar Tshiebwe outplayed Colin Castleton — and powered Kentucky to two wins over Florida.
In Saturday night’s clash at Rupp Arena, Castleton played maybe his best game as a collegian — and hounded Tshiebwe into one of his worst.
Kentucky beat Florida. Again and anyway.
Castleton’s majestic night — 25 points despite earning just seven free throws (all makes!) while constantly finishing through contact from Tshiebwe and others, eight rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and a steal — could not rescue Florida from another slow start, nor equalize a game largely marked by the Gators and Wildcats making runs at each other, and the Gators’ valiant effort to sweep a week of rivalry matchups fell short in a 72-67 final.