Kentucky Basketball downs Buffalo Bulls: 3 things to know and postgame chatter

Kentucky hung on to defeat the Buffalo Bulls with a final score of 95-75 today.

While the final score indicates this was a comfortable win, it was anything but, as the Bulls proved to be every bit of the team we saw crush Arizona by 21 on Thursday.

But Kentucky isn’t Arizona. Kentucky doesn’t have DeAndre Ayton to score 30 points and grab 20 rebounds.

These Cats have a team, and it took a complete team effort to beat Buffalo.

Here are three things to know.

Hamidou Di-allofit

Diallo definitely came to play today. He was everywhere on the glass, shot the ball well, and looked completely comfortable for the first time in recent memory. He finished the game with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

Diallo has fallen consistently on the draft boards since SEC play began, but a game like today reminds us of why he has a bright future at the next level. And thankfully he chose a wonderful stage to put it on display.

Early foul trouble

Although Kentucky was in control for the majority of the first half, the Wildcats did so with several guys on the bench in foul trouble.

Kevin Knox picked up his 3rd foul with 3:37 remaining in the half, and Sacha Killey-Jones was whistled with 2:47 remaining with his third. PJ Washington sat the majority of the half after picking up his second around the 11 minute mark.

Despite starting, Knox and Washington combined to play only 19 minutes in the first half. They did, however, combined for 12 points and 6 rebounds in that limited time.

Thankfully, they settled in during the second half and were able to stay in the game. I wish I could say the same for SKJ.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: No. 22 in your program, No. 1 in your heart

It is impossible not to love Shai. He has carried the Wildcats time and time again this season. The round of 32 game against Buffalo was no different. SGA finished with 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Watching him play is even more impressive than the stat line. He got to the basket at will, had some jaw-dropping spin moves, and did a wonderful job of setting up his teammates. Enjoy him while you have him, Big Blue Nation. This kid is special.

And it looks like the Cats might be on a special run. Let’s talk about it!