Malachi Moreno holds his own vs. arguably the best frontcourt in college basketball

The Kentucky Wildcats fell on the road to the Florida Gators by a final score of 92-83. In a game of runs, the Cats found themselves down 15 at one point, and cut it to two early in the second half. The Gators’ big men gave the Wildcats some problems, but Mark Pope’s team held strong, especially Malachi Moreno.

Playing against arguably the best frontcourt in America — Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, and Rueben Chinyelu
— Moreno really held his own in the paint. The Kentucky native finished up Saturday’s game with a hard-fought double-double: 11 points, 11 rebounds, and a perfect 3-3 from the charity stripe for Moreno.

Playing just 21 minutes due to foul trouble, Moreno really showed out against a group of NBA-level big men. Moreno and the Wildcats’ big men kept Condon, Haugh, and Chinyelu in check for the most part on Saturday, despite being -8 in the rebounding margin.

Moreno recorded his third double-double of the season and has been a major bright spot for the Wildcats this season. Playing a major role and contributing heavily, Moreno has been popping up all over draft boards due to his knack for rebounds and fundamental play.

The Wildcats fall to 17-8 on the season and currently 8-4 in SEC play. They’ll be back in action on Tuesday night against the Georgia Bulldogs. Tip-off is set for 9:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.