Just what the doctor ordered.
The Kentucky Wildcats returned to Rupp Arena this afternoon for their first game in over 10 days as they hosted the Brown Bears. The Cats came to play in their return to Lexington as they trounced the Bears 88-54.
To start off the game, you could see the Cats shaking off the rust. With some slow play on offense throughout the first 15 minutes of game action, it was really the defense that was the key to the first half for Kentucky. After forcing 14 turnovers, the Cats finally got into a groove on offense, heading into the half with a 39-27 lead.
After a great defensive half, the offense started to click. The shots started to fall from deep, and the offense started to open up some easy baskets for the Cats. It was an impressive return trip home for a Kentucky team that is now preparing for the gauntlet of the SEC.
Next up, the Cats will welcome the No. 6 Florida Gators to town this Saturday. Replicate today’s performance, and it should be a fun Saturday at Rupp.
Highlights
Box Score
Game MVP
We have been hoping for another full game from Andrew Carr, and he gave us that this afternoon.
He finished the game with 14 points on 4/6 shooting and 1/2 from deep. He also added five rebounds, three steals, and two assists.
In the major games this season Carr has been a deciding factor in those games. Helping propel Kentucky to wins over Duke and Gonzaga, he will need to be a key player going forward if they hope to be a force in the SEC.
Kentucky vs. Brown Twitter Reactions
First ️ pic.twitter.com/h2Pnk4UEyx
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) December 31, 2024
Kentucky looking much sharper on the defensive end.
— Chris Fisher (@ChrisFisher247) December 31, 2024
Overall I like the defensive effort and activity level. You can tell it’s been a focal point over the last 10 days.
Offense is continuing to sputter a bit, but I like how guys are letting it fly.
Good things happened on some interior Andrew Carr touches. See if they double.
— Brandon Ramsey (@BRamseyKSR) December 31, 2024
Travis Perry hasn’t missed a 3-pointer since he shaved off his mustache
— Drew Franklin (@DrewFranklinKSR) December 31, 2024
Koby Brea gets on the board from 3.
Also 7 (!) steals from Kentucky already.
Single-game program record is 23 both vs. UT Martin in 1994 and Mississippi State in 1991.
— Aaron Gershon (@agershon99) December 31, 2024
Yes, it’s only Brown, but this second half is the best Kentucky has looked in weeks.
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) December 31, 2024
Mark Pope halftime speech: pic.twitter.com/jocbY9oyWp
— WT – Lamont Enthusiast (@WildcatsTongue) December 31, 2024
I spy with my little eye… Dancing Guy. pic.twitter.com/pEduJLQmf3
— Drew Franklin (@DrewFranklinKSR) December 31, 2024
Rupp EXPLODES as Trent Noah buries the three!
Both Travis Perry and Trent Noah have knocked down a triple in this one.
— tanin smith #BBN (@TaninSmithKK) December 31, 2024
Kansas just lost to West Virginia at home, even though WVU had 2 of their top 3 scorers out of the game
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) December 31, 2024
A 34-point win over a team that could win their conference to end the year.
Kentucky needed a performance like that going into SEC play.
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) December 31, 2024
2025 Kentucky commit Jasper Johnson introducing fellow UK commit Acaden Lewis at Rupp Arena. pic.twitter.com/2AMwoipXOQ
— Jacob Polacheck (@PolacheckKSR) December 31, 2024
Otega Oweh has now scored in double figures in every single game this season. pic.twitter.com/97dT4Gxmxl
— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) December 31, 2024
Reigning in the New Year with a dub pic.twitter.com/DhAhu55D3Z
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) December 31, 2024
Need more A Sea Of Blue coverage? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to get all the latest Kentucky Wildcats news and views. Go CATS!