Kentucky Wildcats Basketball

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Jacob Toppin, No. 16 Kentucky Upset by No. 21 LSU in SEC Showdown

Jan 5, 2022
Kentucky forward Jacob Toppin (0) dunks against LSU in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Baton Rouge, La., Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
Kentucky forward Jacob Toppin (0) dunks against LSU in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Baton Rouge, La., Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)

In a battle of SEC contenders, LSU made its case to be considered the conference's front-runner.

Thanks to a an excellent defensive effort, a balanced complement of scorers and a wild finish, the Tigers knocked off Kentucky in Baton Rouge on Monday night, 65-60.

Things got hairy late. LSU went on a 17-3 run in the second half and held a nine-point lead with 2:25 remaining. Kentucky then went on a 8-0 run to cut the deficit to one with 27 seconds remaining.

On the very next possession, it looked as though the Wildcats registered a steal, only to immediately give the ball back to the Tigers for a dunk. Kentucky then turned the ball over again, LSU got another easy bucket and the game was over.

It was a big win for the 13-1 Tigers after last week's loss to Auburn. Kentucky (11-3) saw its four-game winning streak snapped, meanwhile.

It was a tough result for Kentucky, who was less than 100 percent. TyTy Washington Jr. was clearly hobbled throughout the game, while Sahvir Wheeler left early on after taking a hard screen and didn't return.

Regardless, it will feel like a missed opportunity in an SEC that is loaded with talent. Arkansas, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky all pose a threat. But at the moment, it looks like a race between LSU and Auburn.

Key Stats

Tari Eason, LSU: 13 points, six rebounds, three assists

Darius Days, LSU: Nine points, seven rebounds

Xavier Pinson, LSU: 11 points, four assists

Kellan Grady, KY: 13 points

Jacob Toppin, KY: 14 points, eight rebounds

Davion Mintz, KY: 16 points

Toppin and Grady Did Their Part

With leading scorers Oscar Tshiebwe and Washington having a tough night (13 combined points, 6-of-18 from the field), the Wildcats need other players to step up.

Toppin did his part in the first half, keeping Kentucky within striking distance while showing off his tantalizing potential.

He went cold in the second half, but Kellan Grady stepped up, sinking four three-pointers in the frame to drag a struggling offense throughout the final 20 minutes.

Without that duo, this game wouldn't have been close on a night that saw Kentucky shoot just 36.2 percent (21-of-58) from the field.

Tari Eason Just Keeps Producing

LSU's leading scorer came off the bench and led the way again for the Tigers, scoring four crucial points down the stretch to help seal this win.

On a night that saw Darius Days struggle to find his stroke (3-of-12 from the field), Tari Eason and Xavier Pinson helped pick up the slack.

Eason's playmaking and defense continue to make him a crucial cog for this talented Tigers squad. He helps LSU in all phases.

What's Next?

Kentucky hosts Georgia on Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on the SEC Network. LSU hosts Tennessee that same date and time on ESPN2.

Kentucky vs. Louisville CBB Game Postponed Because of Cardinals' COVID-19 Outbreak

Dec 20, 2021
UNCASVILLE, CT - DECEMBER 19: General view of the Louisville Cardinals logo on a pair of game shorts during the Basketball Hall of Fame Women's Showcase game against UConn Huskies on December 19, 2021, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
UNCASVILLE, CT - DECEMBER 19: General view of the Louisville Cardinals logo on a pair of game shorts during the Basketball Hall of Fame Women's Showcase game against UConn Huskies on December 19, 2021, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

A COVID-19 outbreak within the Louisville Cardinals men's basketball team has forced Wednesday's game against Kentucky to be postponed. 

Louisville interim athletic director Josh Heird announced all team activities have been paused indefinitely "due to multiple positive COVID-19 tests among individuals within the program."

"Officials from Kentucky and Louisville will monitor opportunities in which the teams can reschedule the annual rivalry game," the statement said.

A Louisville spokesman told Matthew McGavic of the Louisville Report on Saturday that an unspecified player was entered into COVID-19 protocols. 

Per Mike Rutherford of CardChronicle.com, Louisville center Malik Williams didn't play against Western Kentucky on Saturday because he was in the protocol. 

Williams was the only Cardinals player unavailable for that game. 

Per ESPN's Jeff Borzello, Kentucky will attempt to find a replacement opponent for either Wednesday or Thursday. 

The Wildcats are coming off a 98-69 win over North Carolina on Saturday. They were originally scheduled to play Ohio State, but the Buckeyes had to cancel due to a COVID-19 outbreak. 

North Carolina's game against UCLA scheduled for Saturday was also canceled due to COVID-19 issues within the Bruins program. 

If the game is unable to be rescheduled, this will mark the first time since the 1982-83 season that Kentucky and Louisville haven't played in the regular season. 

Louisville's next scheduled game is at home on Dec. 29 against Wake Forest. Kentucky is currently scheduled to play Missouri at Rupp Arena on Dec. 29.    

No. 21 Kentucky Routs UNC Behind Sahvir Wheeler's 26 Points in CBS Sports Classic

Dec 19, 2021
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 18: Sahvir Wheeler #2 of the Kentucky Wildcats steals the ball from R.J. Davis #4 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the CBS Sports Classic at T-Mobile Arena on December 18, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 18: Sahvir Wheeler #2 of the Kentucky Wildcats steals the ball from R.J. Davis #4 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the CBS Sports Classic at T-Mobile Arena on December 18, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Kentucky rebounded from last week's loss to Notre Dame with a dominant 98-69 victory over North Carolina at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

These teams weren't originally slated to cross paths in Sin City. However, Ohio State and UCLA were forced to back out of their games because of COVID-19-related issues. That set up a rematch between the Tar Heels and 21st-ranked Wildcats almost a year to the day of UNC's 75-63 victory over UK last December.

Kentucky's holdovers from last season's squad seemed to have revenge firmly on their minds. John Calipari's squad jumped out to a 23-8 lead midway through the first half and didn't look back.

Notable Performers

Sahvir Wheeler, G, Kentucky: 26 points, three rebounds, eight assists, four steals

Oscar Tshiebwe, F, Kentucky: 16 points, 12 rebounds, one assist

Armando Bacot, F, North Carolina: 22 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, one block

Wheeler Leads the Way for UK

Sahvir Wheeler wasn't even a member of the Wildcats roster, but the junior looked like he was carrying a chip on his shoulder against North Carolina on Saturday. Finishing with three points in the defeat to the Fighting Irish probably had something to do with that.

Wheeler surpassed his scoring average (9.9 points) by halftime after shooting 7-of-10 from the floor and putting up 14 points.

The 5'9" guard was routinely getting into the paint, which spoke to a major advantage Kentucky enjoyed throughout the game. The Wildcats out-rebounded North Carolina 44-26 and scored 54 points in the paint.

The Heels didn't have much answer for Oscar Tshiebwe, who would've put up bigger numbers were it not for his foul trouble in the first half.

His work on the glass helped extend possessions (four offensive rebounds) and deny North Carolina second chances. He also bullied UNC defenders around the basket when he had the ball in his hands.

Responding to setbacks wasn't something Kentucky did well in 2020-21. The team had losing streaks of six, three, four and two games before falling to Mississippi State in the SEC tournament to bring the campaign to a conclusion. Perhaps the messages from Calipari weren't resonating with his players as much anymore.

This year's Wildcats squad has clearly turned the page on last year.

Bacot's One-Man Show Not Enough for UNC

North Carolina had 29 points in the first half, and Armando Bacot accounted for 17 of them. Caleb Love, who entered as the team's leading scorer (16.2 points), missed all five of his shot attempts and was held scoreless.

The Tar Heels' deficit would've been far bigger than 11 points had it not been for the effort of Bacot.

UNC entered halftime with some momentum after having shaved six points off what was Kentucky's 17-point lead with 2:14 left in the first half. But two quick buckets from Wheeler and Kellan Grady undid that progress to open the second half, and UK's lead swelled to 18 points inside the first four minutes.

Little went right for the Tar Heels as they were comprehensively beaten on both ends of the court.

That 21-point win over Michigan on Dec. 1 might have been a bit of a mirage.

What's Next?

North Carolina hosts Appalachian State on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET. Kentucky faces in-state rival Louisville on Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET.

CBS Sports Classic 2021: Teams, Schedule, Live Stream and TV Info

Dec 18, 2021
SOUTH BEND, IN - DECEMBER 11: Oscar Tshiebwe #34 talks with head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats during the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purcell Pavilion on December 11, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - DECEMBER 11: Oscar Tshiebwe #34 talks with head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats during the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purcell Pavilion on December 11, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

The 2021 CBS Sports Classic has officially lost one of its games, as Ohio State and UCLA both canceled their appearances in the anticipated event because ofĀ COVID-19Ā health and safety protocols.

That leaves just one matchup on the schedule, but it's an exciting one: Kentucky vs. North Carolina.

The contest will take place this Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas at 5:30 p.m. on CBS.

Simply put, this is a game on the national stage, so both blue blood schools will be looking to put on a show, even though only the Wildcats (No. 21) are ranked in theĀ AP Top 25.

The Tar Heels aren't ranked, but they have a better record this season than their opponent (8-2 vs. 7-2).

Here's a quick look at how to watch the game and what to expect.

Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā 

2021 CBS Sports Classic Information

Games:Ā North Carolina vs. Kentucky

Start Times: 5:30Ā p.m. ET

TV:Ā CBS

Live Stream:Ā CBSSports.com or CBS Sports appĀ 

Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā 

Previews

North Carolina vs. Kentucky

Kentucky and North Carolina are both storied programs in the annals of college basketball, so anytime they face each other is kind of a big deal.

That means that even with the withdrawal of Ohio State and UCLA, this year'sĀ CBS Sports Classic is still going to be must-see TV.

The last time these two teams faced each other in this event in Cleveland, the Tar Heels emerged victorious 75-63.

Overall, UNC has a 5-2 all-time record at the Classic, but it has a losing record (1-2) against the Wildcats in the event.

For the Tar Heels, this is a chance to build on their five-game winning streak.

Let by sophomore guard Caleb Love, who is averaging 16.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game, North Carolina is on a roll and will be a big problem for Kentucky.

As for JohnĀ Calipari's Cats, they are excited about the chance to rebound from the 66-62 loss to Notre Dame last week.

"Very excited. I feel like our whole program is excited, especially after a loss like that," freshman guard TyTy Washington Jr. toldĀ Tim Letcher of UKathletics.com. "We didn't shoot the ball well in that game.Ā We didn't shoot the ball nearly as good as we can. We've been keying in on making shots, being shot-ready at all times."

Kentucky is led by National Player of the Year front-runnerĀ Oscar Tshiebwe.

The junior forward is averaging 16.3 points and 14.4 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 67.8 percent from the field.

Still, the Cats won't just be relying on Tshiebwe's dominance down low.

"We're still trying to figure things out," Washington added. "You can't stuff it down to Oscar every time. Teams are going to start double-teaming. So all of the rest of us on the court, we have to step up. We've been trying different ways for us guards to get going."

Regardless of who wins, this should be one of the best games of the year.

And as the icing on the cake, UNCĀ will be wearing its special black jerseys instead of its classic blue away jersey for the game.

The last time the Heels wore black jerseys was in theĀ 2015 CBS Sports Classic vs. UCLA, which they wonĀ 89-76.

No. 15 Ohio State vs. No. 21 Kentucky Canceled Due to Buckeyes' COVID-19 Outbreak

Dec 16, 2021
Ohio State forward Zed Key is seen during an NCAA college basketball game against Wisconsin in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Ohio State won 73-55. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Ohio State forward Zed Key is seen during an NCAA college basketball game against Wisconsin in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Ohio State won 73-55. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)

Ohio State University announced Thursday that its scheduled men's basketball game against Kentucky on Saturday has been canceled because of positive COVID-19 tests within the Buckeyes program.

The clash between No. 15 Ohio State and No. 21 Kentucky would have been part of the CBS Sports Classic at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

No. 4 UCLA and North Carolina are currently scheduled to play Saturday in the other CBS Sports Classic game. However, the Bruins' game against Alabama State on Wednesday was canceled due to COVID-19 protocols, as head coach Mick Cronin had been previously ruled out for the contest because of protocols.

Stadium's Jeff Goodman and Fox 56's Nicole Hutchison reported the Wildcats and Tar Heels may wind up facing off:

Regarding the COVID-19 outbreak within the program, Ohio State said the following in a statement:

"The safety and well-being of the student-athletes, coaches, staff and Ohio State community is the highest priority. All team related activities have been suspended and the players and staff will continue to be tested according to Ohio State protocols in consultation with the Big Ten Conference."

Ohio State also noted the "status of future games is to be determined."

The Buckeyes are off to an 8-2 start this season and have a 2-0 mark in Big Ten play, tying them with Michigan State and Illinois atop the conference.

Ohio State would have entered the game against Kentucky on a four-game winning streak, including victories over then-No. 1 Duke and then-No. 22 Wisconsin.

The Buckeyes are led by 2020-21 First Team All-Big Ten coaches selection E.J. Liddell, who is averaging 20.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 2.7 assists per game.

Kentucky has also been playing well with a 7-2 record, although it lost its most recent game 66-62 to Notre Dame on the heels of a seven-game winning streak.

After head coach John Calipari's team disappointed with a 9-16 record and missed the NCAA tournament last season, it is looking the part of a tourney team.

Junior Oscar Tshiebwe has been the star for the Wildcats with 16.3 points, 14.4 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per contest.

Ohio State's next scheduled game is home against UT Martin on Dec. 21, while Kentucky is slated to play next on Dec. 22 against Louisville at home.

Ohio State HC Chris Holtmann Donates $50K to Tornado Relief Fund

Dec 15, 2021
Ohio State's head coach Chris Holtmann reacts from the bench during an NCAA college basketball game against Xavier, Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Cincinnati. Xavier won 71-65. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Ohio State's head coach Chris Holtmann reacts from the bench during an NCAA college basketball game against Xavier, Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Cincinnati. Xavier won 71-65. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)

Ohio State men's basketball head coach Chris Holtmann is doing what he can to help those who were impacted by the tornadoes in the Kentucky area ahead of his team's game against the state's flagship basketball program.

Kentucky Wildcats reporter Jerry Tipton noted Holtmann donated $50,000 to the relief fund.

The Ohio State coach has a connection to Kentucky after growing up in Lexington and Nicholasville, and he also encouraged Buckeyes fans to donate after having a conversation with Wildcats head coach John Calipari about different ways he could help:

Kelly McCleary, Holly Yan, Elizabeth Joseph and Claudia Dominguez of CNN reported at least 74 people in Kentucky died during a tornado outbreak that impacted eight different states. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said during a Monday afternoon news conference that more than 100 people were still missing.

The Buckeyes and Wildcats are scheduled to face each other Saturday in Las Vegas as part of the CBS Sports Classic.

No. 10 Kentucky Upset by Unranked Notre Dame Despite Oscar Tshiebwe's 25 Points

Dec 12, 2021
Kentucky's TyTy Washington Jr. (3) sets up for a shot in front of Notre Dame's Cormac Ryan (5) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Robert Franklin)
Kentucky's TyTy Washington Jr. (3) sets up for a shot in front of Notre Dame's Cormac Ryan (5) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Robert Franklin)

The upsets keep coming in men's college basketball, with the No. 10 Kentucky Wildcats being the latest team to fall.

Notre Dame upset Kentucky 66-62 at Purcell Pavilion on Saturday. Oscar Tshiebwe did his best to carry the Wildcats with 25 points on 11-of-14 shooting from the field.

Blake Wesley hit the go-ahead shot for Notre Dame with 11.7 seconds remaining. Dane Goodwin put the exclamation point on the win with a dunk as time expired. 

Keion Brooks Jr. was the only other Wildcats player to reach double figures in scoring (12) points. Kellan Grady made both of the team's three-pointers in the loss. Everyone else combined to go 0-of-12 from behind the arc.

Since losing its season opener to Duke, Kentucky had rattled off seven consecutive wins entering Saturday's game. Those victories came by an average of 26 points.

Notre Dame, on the other hand, was coming off three consecutive losses. Its last game was a 73-57 defeat to Boston College on Dec. 3 in its ACC opener.

The Fighting Irish shot 46.4 percent from the field. Wesley and Goodwin led the way for the offense with 14 points each. Trey Wertz added 12 points off the bench.

This has been a dangerous season to be a ranked team in college basketball. The three teams that have been ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press Top 25 (Gonzaga, Duke, Purdue) have all lost. Duke and Purdue both lost their first game after reaching the top spot.

Baylor is the only team currently ranked in the Top 10 of the AP poll without a loss. Arizona, USC, Iowa State and LSU are the remaining ranked teams that have yet to lose a game.

Arkansas was in that group before an 88-66 loss to Oklahoma on Saturday.

Kentucky will look to rebound on Dec. 18 against No. 21 Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic at T-Mobile Arena. Notre Dame will be back in action on the same day when it hosts Indiana.   

5-Star Guard Prospect Reed Sheppard Commits to Kentucky over Louisville, Virginia

Nov 20, 2021

Reed Sheppard, a 5-star combo guard out of North Laurel High School in London, Kentucky, announced that he will stay home to play for the Kentucky Wildcats:

Sheppard revealed the decision Saturday morning in the North Laurel gym.

"Well, I'm a little boy from Kentucky," Sheppard said when asked why he chose UK.

"... It's a dream of a lot of little boys that live in Kentucky to play basketball at the University of Kentucky."

Sheppard, whom the 247Sports composite rankings have as the No. 22 overall prospect and fifth-best combo guard in the class of 2023, is following in the footsteps of his parents, Jeff and Stacey.

Jeff Sheppard was a two-time national champion for Kentucky men's hoops in 1996 and 1998, winning Most Outstanding Player of the 1998 Final Four.

His mother, Stacey Reed Sheppard, led UK in assists and steals during all four of her seasons and in scoring twice.

Kentucky head coach John Calipari offered Sheppard a scholarship this summer, per ESPN's Jeff Borzello and Paul Biancardi.

"I did not know what to think," Sheppard told ESPN regarding the offer.

"I was with both parents in the hotel room. It was hard to believe. Getting the offer meant so much. Coach Cal said he enjoyed watching me play. He said a lot of guys don't get the opportunity to play at Kentucky. But he believed in me. It was special."

Jerry Meyer, 247Sports' director of basketball scouting, compared Sheppard to Brooklyn Nets wing Joe Harris and offered this report Friday:

Has solid size as a combo guard. Likely has a couple more inches in him. Has a strong lower body and plays with strength. Is a good athlete who can makes plays in traffic. Plays with a low center of gravity and controls space. Is a lights out shooter with perfect technique and a quick release. Can score at all three levels.

Capable of attacking left or right and finishing with strength. Doesn't have overwhelming speed but is strong with the basketball, crafty, and gets separation. Has a dangerous runner when going left. Handles with strength and sees the floor. Competes and doesn't complicate the game. Rebounds his position and competes and plays with intelligence as a defender.

Meyer also predicted that Sheppard would be a first-round NBA draft pick.

He's ranked No. 37 on ESPN's list. Borzello and Biancardi gave a rundown of his game:

Sheppard is a high-end facilitator who can also make shots. He is fundamentally sound with no wasted motion on his jump shot, both off the catch or on a pull-up jumper in rhythm. He is dangerous in ball screens and understands how to create separation, whether he attacks the hedging defender, shoots behind the screen or finds the open man. Off the ball, Sheppard moves well to get open to find space for his jumper.

Sheppard had 15 offers, per 247Sports, including ones from Louisville, Iowa and Virginia.

Celtics, NBA Rename Gym in Boston After Former Kentucky Star Terrence Clarke

Nov 19, 2021
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 11: Terrence Clarke #5 of the Kentucky Wildcats dribbles the ball at half court against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half of their second round game in the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 11, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 11: Terrence Clarke #5 of the Kentucky Wildcats dribbles the ball at half court against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half of their second round game in the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 11, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)

The Boston Celtics and the NBA are honoring the life of Terrence Clarke by unveiling a new court at the Vine St. Community Center in Boston, which is where the former Kentucky guard grew up playing basketball. 

The court features Clarke's initials and No. 5 in a blue heart at center court. It also has a quote from the Boston native on the sideline which reads, "I want to be that guy for everyone in the city."

Clarke was killed in a car crash in Los Angeles on April 22, just a few months before the 2021 NBA draft. The 19-year-old averaged 9.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game during his first season at Kentucky and was projected to be a second-round pick. 

The NBA made Clarke an honorary pick in the 2021 draft. 

Trevor Keels, Paolo Banchero Lead No. 9 Duke to Opening Win vs. No. 10 Kentucky

Nov 10, 2021
Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski directs his team against Winston-Salem State during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Durham N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski directs his team against Winston-Salem State during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Durham N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)

The No. 9 Duke Blue Devils started off the season with a 79-71 win over the No. 10 Kentucky Wildcats at Madison Square Garden in the 11th annual Champions Classic on Tuesday.

Trevor Keels had 25 points to lead the Blue Devils. Paolo Banchero added 22 points and seven rebounds.

The Wildcats start the season 0-1 for the first time since 2018-19, also losing their season-opener to Duke that year. Oscar Tshiebwe had a team-high 17 points and 19 rebounds.

It was the first game of Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski's farewell season. The Wildcats still lead the all-time series 12-11, but he can take comfort in the fact that he won his potential final battle of the Blue Bloods.

Notable Player Stats

G Trevor Keels, Duke: 25 points

F Paolo Banhcero, Duke: 22 points, 7 rebounds

F Oscar Tshiebwe, Kentucky: 17 points, 19 rebounds

G Sahvir Wheeler, Kentucky: 16 points, 10 assists

Duke Uncovers Gem In Trevor Keels

A likely top-five pick in next year's NBA Draft, Banchero is the freshman who commands the headlines for Duke. Banchero looked as-advertised for as long as he was on the floor, but Keels might be the catalyst to the Blue Devils' success this season.

The 6'4" combo guard knows how to use his size to his advantage on both ends of the court. Keels is a hounding defender and a relentless rim attacker. He helped Duke build a double-digit lead in the second half when Banchero exited the game due to cramps.

Keels scored 16 of his 25 points in the second half. He proved that he can be a go-to option for Duke while Banchero was on the bench. The 18-year-old also set the tone by getting to the free throw line often. The Blue Devils shot 23 free throws compared to just seven attempts by the Wildcats.

If the Blue Devils hope to be successful this season, someone else will have to emerge as a consistent secondary scorer alongside Banchero. Duke looks to have found just that in Keels. If he continues to take advantage of his size, Keels will have a highly productive freshman season.

Kentucky's Oscar Tshiebwe Doesn't Get Enough Support

Tshiebwe was the engine that made Kentucky go Tuesday. His presence on the floor proved key as the Wildcats fell behind while he was on the bench with foul trouble. But once he got back onto the floor, he helped Kentucky make a comeback thanks to his activity inside on both ends.

But Tshiebwe couldn't do it all himself. When he went on the bench again in the second half, the Wildcats fell behind by double digits. Tshiebwe re-entered the game and helped Kentucky once again cut into the lead.

Sahvir Wheeler started off hot with 12 points and five assists in the first half, but he scored only four points and had five assists in the second half while finishing with seven turnovers. Tshiebwe and Wheeler were the only players to score in double figures on Monday.

Kentucky freshman TyTy Washington struggled Tuesday, scoring nine points on 3-for-14 shooting. He looked to be pressing and made typical freshman mistakes all night, and the Wildcats will need him to mature quickly.

Kentucky is more of a veteran-laden team this year than in previous seasons. Tshiebwe and Wheeler are both juniors, and they look to be the team's top options to start the season. But the Wildcats will need someone else to produce consistently if they hope to make it back to the NCAA tournament.

What's Next?

The Blue Devils will be back in action at home Friday against Army for the school's Veterans Day Weekend Showcase. The Wildcats will look to bounce back in the Kentucky Classic on Friday against Robert Morris in Lexington.

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