Kentucky basketball take knee during national anthem (Photo)

Kentucky basketball players and coaches collectively took a knee during the national anthem before their game against Florida.

The Kentucky basketball team went into Saturday’s game against Florida looking to make a statement.

It started in the pre-game when the Wildcats lined up as a team and took a knee during the playing of the national anthem, showing their support for the fight against racial injustice.

It was the first anthem the team appeared for this season. In previous outings, including home games at Rupp Arena, the team had opted to remain in the locker room until after the anthem was played.

Florida guard Scott Lewis also took a knee.

Kentucky basketball looked motivated before and during the game

It hasn’t been a particularly bright season for the Wildcats. John Calipari’s men were 3-6 going into the road game against Florida. At one point they had lost six in a row. The Gators, by comparison, were 5-2 and favored by four points.

After completing their gesture of solidarity in the pregame, the team looked as strong as they have all season. The Wildcats overwhelmed the Gators en route to a 76-58 victory.

It truly was a collective effort. Brandon Boston Jr. andd Davion Mintz shared the joint lead for points on the night with 13. The former had 4 steals, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Keion Brooks Jr. added 12 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 1 block.

The Gators were led by Anthony Duruji’s 15 points. Lewis, the only Gator who appeared to kneel, finished with 2 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks and a steal.

Kentucky will look forward to next week’s matchup with Alabama. It remains to be seen if they will kneel again when they return back home. Ole Miss is up next for Florida.