Kentucky basketball: limited Wildcats show unlimited potential in season opening victory

The Kentucky basketball team officially began their quest to March Madness with a dominant 95-63 victory over the Howard Bison. The Wildcats were without Savhir Wheeler, Daimion Collins, and returning Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe. Even without all that talent, the Cats still showed they have a deep roster this season.

The first thing that stands out on the stat sheet is the defensive effort by Kentucky. Howard committed 16 turnovers, and the Wildcats freshman big man, Ugonna Onyenso, was credited with four blocks but could be credited for altering at least ten shots.

Freshman guard Cason Wallace handled point guard duties with Wheeler out, and Wallace didn’t disappoint. The freshman guard finished with 15 pts., 8 rebs., and 9 ast. The Cats were scorching from triple as Antonio Reeves and C.J. Frederick dazzled in their debuts, shooting a combined 8-17 from deep.

The new guys weren’t the only ones who shined in the season opener, as senior Jacob Toppin brought the energy all game long. Toppin finished with 15 pts. and 11 rebs., collecting the first double-double of his career.

Going back to the defensive efforts by the Cats. The 16 turnovers by Howard were turned into 20 points by Kentucky. The old saying great defense leads to great offense held true tonight at Rupp Arena. The Wildcats also finished the night with 23 fast break points.

If we had to nitpick one thing the Wildcats need to improve on after game one, it would be free throw shooting. The Cats finished tonight 57% from the line, going 16-28. Definitely would like to see that number improve as the season progresses.

All in all, game one was a fun experience for the Big Blue Nation and a greater experience for the team to see how they would perform without three key pieces. The season is young, but it’s hard not to get excited about the potential of this team at full health.