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The Kentucky Wildcats didn’t start the night off strong when the VMI Keydets came into Rupp Arena.
About halfway during the first half, the score was relatively close with Kentucky going back and forth with VMI. Kentucky did, however, lead the statistics in rebounds (both offensively and defensively), and they lead the turnover battle as well.
The one thing that was keeping the Keydets in the ballgame was the fact that they were shooting 6/9 from three-point range. The last time VMI came to Rupp Arena was back in 2008 when we were in the midst of the Billy Gillispie era. Kentucky suffered a disappointing loss to the Keydets that year of a final score of VMI 111 - Kentucky 103.
Kentucky went on a couple of good runs to close out the first half of play and went into halftime with the lead with the score being 48-34.
Kentucky stretched the lead to 19 points early in the second half, but then the Keydets put on another charge lead by Bubba Parham. Parham was hitting three’s left and right in the second half and VMI pulled within six with under two minutes left in the game.
Kentucky did go on to win their match up against the VMI Keydets in a closer than expected game with a final score of 92-82. Kentucky moves on to a record of 3-1 as they now prepare for their next game this upcoming Wednesday against Winthrop University at Rupp Arena with tip off being at 1:00 p.m. EST.
Here are a few social media reactions both during and after the game:
Kentucky has worked the ball inside-out to get Keldon Johnson a pair of wide-open threes on the right wing. He's 1 of 2. Tyler Herro was the next recipient and nailed his first try from the right wing.
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) November 18, 2018
And in his first start, EJ Montgomery has 2 blocks in 2 minutes.
Flashbacks to 2008....VMI keeps jacking up 3's and they keep falling in.
— Cameron Mills Show (@cameronradio) November 18, 2018
Will not mention He Who Shall Not Be Named.
VMI leading 18-16 with 12:04 left in the 1st half#BBN
Reid Travis has been a grown man on the glass tonight
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) November 18, 2018
Still don't know what Kentucky's best five is but I'm absolutely certain EJ Montgomery is a part of whatever it looks like.
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) November 18, 2018
Ashton Hagans looks so comfortable on the court. He’s playing free and aggressive. Dude is growing up quick.
— Nick Roush (@RoushKSR) November 19, 2018
Bubba Parham now with his TENTH 3 pointer. pic.twitter.com/Lvmn71FTIS
— Scott Charlton (@Scott_Charlton) November 19, 2018
Ouch!!! @2ReidTravis2 pic.twitter.com/HVKoXaw9uV
— Michael Huang (@DrMikeUK) November 19, 2018
The Reid Travis bandwagon is full-up. Sorry. pic.twitter.com/WHLBeVBkcx
— Rex Chapman (@rex_rexchapman) November 19, 2018
Reid Travis returning to the game pic.twitter.com/8TG2UvmYNr
— LouisvilleSuxks (@LouisvilleSuxks) November 19, 2018
Josh (@Gravity_Defier), Kentucky’s cheerleader who went VIRAL, puts on a show for fans at halftime. pic.twitter.com/Vdz0r7kKmm
— Tres Terrell (@TerrellTres) November 19, 2018
I mean there's really nothing else Quickley could have done outside of punching Paraham in the face. https://t.co/uslY1roWZC
— Round Daddy (@JStreble82) November 19, 2018
Cats now up 34-16 on the glass. Washington with 13.
— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) November 19, 2018
watched most of the second half. A Final Four contender doesn't let a dude come into their gym and make 10 threes. https://t.co/zzEoY15Vqr
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) November 19, 2018
A Final Four contender does still win by double figures when a dude comes into their gym and makes 10 threes though. https://t.co/HQf0lg5kgh
— Anthony Wireman (@awireman) November 19, 2018
VMI's Bubba Parham was 9 of 26 from three in four games this season. Tonight, he's 8 of 12 from three against Kentucky.
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) November 19, 2018
— TJ Beisner (@tjbeisner) November 19, 2018
Bubba Parham's family is getting swarmed by UK fans. They're a happy group right now and couldn't be nicer to everyone.
— Drew Franklin (@DrewFranklinKSR) November 19, 2018
Bubba Parham sounds like something you’d order at an Italian place in Pikeville. #BBN #VMIvsUK
— Drew (@DrewMerriman) November 19, 2018
Most threes by an opponent in the history of Rupp Arena comes from...VMI
— Round Daddy (@JStreble82) November 19, 2018
FINAL: #Kentucky 92, VMI 82. Cats survive 19 3s by Keydets, 10 from Bubba Parham on his way to 35 points at Rupp. pic.twitter.com/rffeMv65AH
— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) November 19, 2018
“We all dream of playing in arenas like this, and I’m blessed that my coach and teammates had the faith in me to shoot.” -Bubba Parnham pic.twitter.com/PGneTkKRrD
— Tres Terrell (@TerrellTres) November 19, 2018
Great day for UK Athletics:
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) November 19, 2018
— UK Volleyball wins SEC Title
— UK Soccer goes to Sweet 16 after win over Portland
— UK Women beat High Point 79-51
— UK Men beat VMI
— UK Football ranked #17 and projected to Citrus Bowl
Likely headed for best Fall for UK Athletics ever
Kentucky has surrendered only four combined fast break points over the last two games (North Dakota, VMI).
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) November 19, 2018
And that’s a wrap from Rupp Arena! Thanks for supporting the Cats all weekend long, #BBN. An undefeated weekend feels pretty good! #WeAreUK pic.twitter.com/Iw3z10G8UX
— Kentucky Athletics (@UKAthletics) November 19, 2018
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