Kentucky Wildcats Vs Texas A&M Post Game Recap

Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

It appears as though that the slow starting games the Kentucky Wildcats have played in the past might be ending. The Wildcats came out fast and furious, racing out to an 11-5 lead early on behind 3 three-point makes in four attempts by the Harrison twins (one for Aaron and two for Andrew). The Wildcats did not let up and maintained their lead throughout the first half, getting to halftime with a seven point lead at 34-27. Balanced scoring was the key in the first half with Andrew Harrison leading the was with 8 points. Julius Randle had 7 points, James Young had 6 points, Aaron Harrison had 5 points, Jarrod Polson had 3 points, Alex Poythress and Dakari Johnson had 2 points a piece, and Willie Cauley-Stein had 1 point. Dominique Hawkins also played in the first half, but did not record a point.

In the second half, the Kentucky Wildcats continued their trend of second half play and ran away with the game. The team was lead by Alex Poythress out of the gate, who continued to show his new found passion and intensity in play. His play and best game of the season allowed the young Wildcats to win the game with absolute ease, having a final score of 68-51. Alex Poythress led the way with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks. James Young had 15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Julius Randle had 13 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and a steal. Andrew Harrison had 8 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Aaron Harrison had 6 points, 2 assists, 2 steals and a rebound. Dakari Johnson had 6 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks and a steal. Jarrod Polson had 3 points, 2 rebounds and an assist. Willie Cauley-Stein had a point and a rebound. Dominique Hawkins recorded no stats despite being on the court.

This win marks the Kentucky Wildcats 20th consecutive wins at Rupp Arena, a place where John Calipari has only lost two times in his tenure at Kentucky. Tonight’s game showed the young Wildcats are starting to come together as a team, one that is a force to be reckoned with. The first concern was the slow starts that have plagued Calipari’s team all year. That was wiped out with a strong start by the Harrison twins, who helped the team bolt out to an 11-5 lead early. The second concern all season was who was going to step up and lead the freshman. It appeared early in the season that this would be Willie Cauley-Stein, but he has recently disappeared in recent games. Enter Alex Poythress, of who we heard the stories of epic battles with Julius Randle in the offseason. That Poythress had remained a myth up until tonight, where he exploded after a few game build up of intensity.

If the Kentucky Wildcats can continue to come together and grow as a team, they will make a deep run in the tournament. If they can do that and catch on to the intensity that Julius Randle (and now Alex Poythress) play with ever game, then the Wildcats will run through their competition on their way to the 9th Nation Championship. This is something that is most assuredly within their reach. Something at which they strive for. It’s the reason they came to Kentucky to join forces and has been their one and only goal all along. The equation has been laid out. The formula has been found. Intensity + Togetherness = National Championship. The only thing left to see is…can it be done?