The Kentucky Wildcats finally played like a team with a $22M price tag on Saturday.
In a marquee matchup against No. 22 St. John’s, Kentucky destroyed the Red Storm in the second half, earning its biggest win of the season so far in a 78-66 decision in Atlanta.
The Wildcats’ non-conference slate had been defined by losses to North Carolina, Michigan State and Gonzaga, with the latter two not being particularly close contests.
But a win over Indiana on Dec. 13 and Saturday’s convincing victory over Rick Pitino and St. John’s suggests that Mark Pope and the ‘Cats are finally moving in the right direction.
Kentucky’s stars show out
Otega Oweh played like the superstar he’s been billed as, scoring 20 points. Jaland Lowe added 13 on 5-for-7 shooting from the field. Jayden Quaintance scored 10 on 5-for-7 shooting.
Perhaps most importantly, Kentucky’s defense locked down St. John’s defensively. The Red Storm shot 33% from the field (17-for-51) and only stayed in the game by virtue of 27 made free throws. The Wildcats also won the rebounding battle, 39-28.
In Kentucky’s 94-59 loss to Gonzaga on Dec. 5, the Bulldogs shot 57% from the floor and won the rebounding battle by 12. In Kentucky’s 83-66 loss to Michigan State on Nov. 18, the Spartans shot 50% from the field and won the rebounding battle by 14.
It’s clear that if Kentucky wants to win games, playing sound defense and crashing the boards is the key to success.