Wildcat Blue Nation
Fansided

Social media reaction to Kentucky's epic SEC thriller against Alabama

SEC thriller in Rupp, fans reaction and more.

ByDrew Holbrook|
Jan 18, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Aden Holloway (2) shoots the ball during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Jan 18, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Aden Holloway (2) shoots the ball during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

The Cats and the Tide put on a show in Rupp Arena. It was the first time all season Kentucky went into half at home being down. Usually the last 4 minutes belong to the Cats, but Alabama turned that tide (pun intended).

Kentucky started off really strong, with a quick 7-2 run but then Alabama answered with an 11-0 run and the teams battled the rest of the way through an action packed first half. Amari Williams seemed to be pressing too much on the offensive end as he forced more than a few shots shooting just 3-8 in the first half. The effort was there though as he battled all half long, just needs a little bit more control.

Alabama went ice cold from 3 but then caught fire right before half to get their lead heading to half. Kentucky opened the second half like they did the first with intense defense and an offensive display that had Rupp rocking.

The Cats just could not get over that hump, dropping their first home game 102-97.

Team Stats

1st half

Field Goals: Alabama 16-39 (41.0%), Kentucky 15-35 (42.9%)
Three-Point FG: Alabama 6-19 (31.6%), Kentucky 5-11 (45.5%)
Free Throws: Alabama 9-10 (90.0%), Kentucky 10-13 (76.9%)
Rebounds: Alabama 22, Kentucky 23
Offensive Rebounds: Alabama 10, Kentucky 9
Defensive Rebounds: Alabama 12, Kentucky 14
Assists: Alabama 12, Kentucky 8
Turnovers: Both teams, 4

Full game

Alabama Crimson Tide | Kentucky Wildcats
FG: 30-67 | 35-73
Field Goal %: 44.8 | 47.9
3PT: 13-34 | 11-27
Three Point %: 38.2 | 40.7
FT: 29-34 | 16-20
Free Throw %: 85.3 | 80.0
Rebounds: 42 | 38
Offensive Rebounds: 15 | 13
Defensive Rebounds: 27 | 25
Assists: 20 | 20
Steals: 3 | 6
Blocks: 3 | 8
Total Turnovers: 10 | 8
Points Off Turnovers: 12 | 11
Fast Break Points: 16 | 22
Points in Paint: 34 | 44
Fouls: 21 | 25
Largest Lead: 9 | 6

Now let's get to what you had to say:

The social media team was definitely working overtime in this one:

Kentucky has been involved in some classics this year:

The Cats have a week to regroup as the next game is Vandy next Saturday.

Home/Kentucky basketball