Kentucky comes into the matchup with Alabama needed to hold serve on the home court. The Cats come into the game off of a tough loss at Tennessee and the Tide comes in hot after not losing since the last game against the Cats. When they last played in Tuscaloosa, it was a low scoring affair 66-55 and the Tide shot a miserable 3 for 30 from long range. The Cats were without their top two point guards so several reserves had to step up and play out of position. Alabama simply could not shoot as poorly as the last meeting.

 

Bama reversed the poor shooting from the last meeting and started with a blistering 9-12 from long range. Keon Ellis made 7-11 threes while Jaden Shackelford added five threes himself. The Tide cooled from long range in the last 25 minutes and ended 14 of 40 for 35% from three.

Keion Brooks was the only Wildcat to start well for the Cats and scored six points on mid range shots. Keion finished the game with 18 points, 8 rebounds and two each assists, blocks and steals. It was one of the most complete games for Brooks.

 

Bama eventually stretched the lead to 41-28 until Kellan Grady made one of his 7 threes. He finished with 25 points on 9 of 16 shooting. His confidence growing, he extended his shot range well beyond the NBA three distance and brought the roof off Rupp when he made one from Nicholasville Road.

 

The Cats answered the “next man up” question with strong bench play from Hopkins and Collins. Collins finished with 6 points and Bryce Hopkins played good defense and contributed a couple of rebounds. Jacob Toppin took advantage of extra minutes and contributed 13 and six. He provided energy and toughness that the Cats needed without TyTy and Wheeler.

 

Oscar put up his normal 21 points and 14 rebounds to help the Cats out rebound the Tide 39-32. The Rupp Arena crowd was as electric as it has been since Covid-19. The crowd helped keep the Tide from regaining any momentum and the Cats defeat the Tide 90-81

Kecia Dawson

Contributing writer for Sports View America