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The Wildcats took the court in a late weekday tip looking for their 100th win against Mississippi State but, missing TyTy Washington after an ankle injury Saturday. That left the Big Blue Nation with questions. First, who will replace the 13.6 points and 4.4 assist a game that Washington is averaging? Secondly, Will we see Shaedon Sharpe?
It was obvious that the Cats were focused on being efficient on offense from the time the ball tipped. The started the game hitting 5 of their first 6 shots pulling out to an early 16 to 9 lead. Kentucky lost some of their momentum when Sahvir Wheeler left the game with his second foul with 13:40 left in the first half. It wasn’t until the eight-minute mark when Kentucky scored seven unanswered and took a 25 to 13 advantage that the Cats had some breathing room. The Wildcats went nearly 4 minutes without scoring, but thanks to their defense they were able to end the half ahead 37 to 24.
Oscar Tshiebwe led both teams in scoring and rebounding, scoring 9 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. The Cats were able to hold the Bulldogs to under 30% shooting in the first half while shooting 53% themselves. If not for 11 turnovers the Cats would have had the game well in hand.
The second half back-to-back scoring event with neither team able to outdo the other for the first seven minutes. Kentucky would maintain a double-digit lead during that time, but an 8 to 2 run pulled the Bulldogs within 4 with 6:23 left in the game. Tshiebwe and Toppin both suffered ankle injuries around and it looked as though the Cats were have to finish the game without them. However, Tshiebwe returned from the locker room and took the court after the next timeout. MSU hit a layup with 3:39 left in the game to tie the game, but an and-one basket by Tshiebwe on the following possession put the Wildcats back up by 3. However, the game was pulled even with 22 seconds left with Kentucky with the possession, but Kellan Grady missed the last second shot and the game was sent into overtime.
Grady hit the first shot of the overtime put the Wildcats up, but a layup by Mississippi State canceled it out. Kellan Grady became the UK hero knocking down a three to retake the lead and on the following possession hitting a three to give the Cats a six-point lead. Free-throws by Wheeler sealed the deal giving the Cats an 82 to 74 victory.
Who would step up to take on TyTy’s role? I think that the answer has to be Kellan Grady after scoring 8 points in overtime when the Cats were having trouble scoring. Grady ended the game with 18 points. Oscar Tshiebwe had another incredible performance with 21 points and 22 rebounds.
Even though the game was not as pretty as we would like and we didn’t get to see Shaedon Sharpe make an appearance, it was nice to see Kentucky finally pull out the victory in a close game. The victory also marked Coach Calipari’s 800th career win. The Cats travel to Kansas to face the Jayhawks at 6pm on Saturday.
