Nick Calathes did all he could Tuesday night.
It wasn't enough.
Despite scoring a game-high 33 points, Calathes and the Florida Gators (19-5, 6-3 Southeastern Conference) fell 68-65 to the Kentucky Wildcats (17-7, 6-3 SEC) in Rupp Arena.
Kentucky's Jodie Meeks dazzled the crowd by scoring 23 points, including the game-winner - a 3-pointer - with 4.7 seconds to play.
With the Gators ahead 64-63 and 1:17 left, Dan Werner missed a 3-pointer that led to a foul in transition.
Meeks made both foul shots and put the Wildcats ahead 65-64.
Werner was fouled on the next possession and tied the game at 65 after making one of his two shots.
With 4.7 seconds left, Meeks hit a 3-pointer to put Kentucky on top, 68-65.
Calathes was fouled taking a desperation 3-pointer with .6 seconds left, but missed all three shots, the final one intentionally.
Chandler Parsons was sent to the bench after picking up two fouls with 12:51 to play in the first half.
After leading early, the Gators allowed the Wildcats to go on an 18-4 run, giving Kentucky a 24-18 lead with 4:44 left in the half.
With less than a minute to play in the first half, Calathes knocked down a 3-pointer that cut Kentucky's lead to two points.
He was fouled on the next possession and made both free throws to tie the game at 30 heading into halftime.
USF LOSES, FSU WINS, Page 4
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