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A much-needed win.
The Kentucky Wildcats returned to Rupp Arena this afternoon as they welcomed in the South Carolina Gamecocks. In what was a must-win game for the Cats, they rolled to an 80-57 win.
After a disappointing last few weeks, the Cats responded well against the Gamecocks early, especially showing some improvement on the defensive end of the floor. However, the game did feel like a slog due to the Cat’s offensive struggles early in this one.
Well, that is until Koby Brea erupted. Thanks to Brea’s offense, the Cats were able to stretch out a healthy lead of 33-19 heading into the locker room.
The second half was also another positive step for the Cats. Not only did they continue to impress on defense, but they also fought through adversity to get the offense rolling once again to blow this game open. The Cats did struggle with some focus, it seemed, throughout the game with several careless turnovers throughout, but in a game like this, I would say that is much expected.
Now Kentucky will turn their attention to a very important matchup on Tuesday night as they welcome the Tennessee Volunteers to Lexington. Time to sweep the Vols.
Go Cats!
Highlights
Box Score
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Game MVP
There are several players we could give this to, but I think Brandon Garrison deserves this one. He finished with 15 points on 7/8 shooting and 1/2 from deep. He also added a rebound, an assist, and two blocks.
Not only was he impressive on offense, he also showed some of that defensive potential as well with the multiple blocks. The most important thing he did today, however, was provide a spark when all the momentum seemed to go South Carolinas way.
We also need to give a shout-out to Koby Brea for his performance today. Not only did he score the ball well, he also added six assists and five rebounds.
Kentucky vs. South Carolina Twitter Reactions
Seeing Lamont Butler and Jaxson Robinson in the starting lineup. pic.twitter.com/ikt79qAMY6
— TheCatsPause247 (@TheCatsPause247) February 8, 2025
Alright, we’re facing the easiest competition we’ve seen in weeks. Time for a nice clean, well executed 40 minutes of basketball.
Amari Williams: pic.twitter.com/hEjhqgoknv
— Big Blue Drew (@BigBlueDrew33) February 8, 2025
4 rebounds for Trent Noah.
He’s really mixing it up.
— Aaron Gershon (@agershon99) February 8, 2025
Trent Noah going for a rebound pic.twitter.com/XJonjMVwUB
— Mark Stoops Burner Parody (@BBN_Commenter) February 8, 2025
In an ugly game, this was just beautiful. pic.twitter.com/RjAmjcTOZv
— Tyler Thompson (@MrsTylerKSR) February 8, 2025
At some point if you’re a winless SEC team on the road you can’t just sit your only viable offensive option because he has two fouls as the game slips away.
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) February 8, 2025
Cheers to 50 years! pic.twitter.com/zEkIFnG3Ia
— UK Sports Network (@UKSportsNetwork) February 8, 2025
Jaxson Robinson is having his wrist checked out on the bench after a collision on the court. pic.twitter.com/CsZyDFchJU
— Tres Terrell (@TerrellTres) February 8, 2025
Kentucky’s energy in the 2nd Half has been extremely poor and they have let South Carolina back in this game
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) February 8, 2025
WOAHHH, @amxriwillixms ♂️
– ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/nNw3jVi008
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) February 8, 2025
Otega Oweh is the only player in SEC play this season to score in double figures in every game.
— Rare Rookies #BBN (@rarerookies) February 8, 2025
It wasn’t the prettiest game, but it never needed to be. Overall a very encouraging performance (plus getting healthy) for the ‘Cats.
Otega Oweh: 17 points
Brandon Garrison: 15 points
Amari Williams: 10 points
Koby Brea: 10 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists79.1% DReb% = Very Good!
— Brandon Ramsey (@BRamseyKSR) February 8, 2025
The team and fanbase really needed a blowout win like that.
Enduring a tough stretch, losing four of the last five; Dealing with a lot of injuries. It look like Kentucky is coming out in the other side in time for March.
A big game with Tennessee coming into Rupp on Tuesday.
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) February 8, 2025
Victory lap ✌️ pic.twitter.com/uBBbLQqqpp
— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) February 8, 2025
Jimmy Dan Conner is “The Y” at today’s game in @Rupp_Arena! pic.twitter.com/Cva2fwaLdg
— Kentucky Athletics (@UKAthletics) February 8, 2025
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