(BCSNN) — Junior forward Alex Condon posted 22 points and 10 rebounds to record his first double‑double of the season and the 12th of his career, lifting top‑seeded Florida to a 71–63 win over ninth‑seeded Kentucky in Friday’s SEC Tournament quarterfinal at Bridgestone Arena.

Condon went 7‑for‑12 from the field and 8‑for‑11 at the line as Florida (26–6) built a 16‑point lead with 11 minutes remaining. The Gators struggled offensively down the stretch, shooting just 29 percent in the second half and committing 12 turnovers, allowing Kentucky to close within 66–61 with 1:18 left behind former UF guard Denzel Aberdeen’s team‑high 17 points.

Guard Xaivian Lee halted the Wildcats’ rally with a step‑back three from the top of the key as the shot clock expired, pushing the margin to eight with 40 seconds left and securing Florida’s third win over Kentucky this season — a feat the Gators had achieved only once before, in 2014.

Kentucky erased an early 20–10 deficit with a 10–0 run, but Florida responded with 13 straight points and maintained at least a four‑possession lead until the final minutes. Across the teams’ three meetings this season, Kentucky never led; the sides were tied for just two minutes and five seconds over 120 minutes of play.

Florida advances to Saturday’s semifinals to face the winner of Tennessee and Vanderbilt. The Gators defeated both teams during the regular season, beating Tennessee 100–77 at home and Vanderbilt 98–94 in Nashville.