Kentucky bounced back from its loss on Saturday to Auburn behind a big performance from big men Nick Richards and EJ Montgomery last night in a 80-72 win against Mississippi State.
Richards put up 27 points and 11 rebounds going up against the Bulldogs star big man Reggie Perry. After a lackluster showing on Saturday, Richards answered the challenge by outperforming Perry and putting up one of his better performances of the season.
Montgomery’s stat line isn’t eye popping, as he finished with 12 points and 8 rebounds, but Montgomery’s hustle was evident while he was on the floor. Montgomery grabbed tough rebounds and defended well, picking up three steals and a blocked shot. Montgomery’s performance last night was also one of his best of the season.
Immanuel Quickley was the second-leading scorer on the night, putting up 21 points despite an off-shooting night (3-11 from the floor, 1-6 from beyond the arc) thanks to a 14-14 performance from the free throw line, which tied a school record.
Overall, it was a good bounce back win as the Cats look to regain momentum heading into another big road matchup on Saturday when they travel to Knoxville to take on the Tennessee Volunteers, who are coming off of a 69-68 victory at Alabama last night.
Today is also National Signing Day in college football.
Kentucky has most of its 2020 class wrapped up after the December signing day, but the Cats are waiting to hear from one of the biggest pieces in their class.
That comes in the form of Michael Drennen II. The Ohio product has drawn some Lynn Bowden comparisons due to his explosiveness on the field and ability to line up at multiple positions. Drennen can line up in the backfield, but he’s expected to line up as a slot receiver in college with the ability to slide in the backfield to give the defense multiple looks.
Drennen is down to Kentucky and USC, and many think Vince Marrow’s decision to return to Kentucky is playing a major role in the recruitment. Marrow has been Drennen’s primary recruiter since eighth grade, so the importance of retaining Marrow can’t be understated.
Kentucky originally also thought they might hear something from running back commitment Torrance Davis, who opted not to sign in December, but he reportedly will not sign his National Letter of Intent tomorrow. That doesn’t necessarily mean he will be signing elsewhere, as Kentucky could get the paperwork later this month, but his status now is more up in the air than it has been.
If Kentucky can add Drennen to its already talented 2020 class, Kentucky fans should be more than pleased with the result of this coaching staff’s effort on the recruiting trail.
Tweet of the Day
A documentary of @Bam1of1 has been released about his rise to NBA stardom. pic.twitter.com/1D3sVA2VQ8
— BBN/NBA (@KentuckyProCats) February 5, 2020
This is great.
Bold prediction: Kentucky will go undefeated in games that it gets 39 and 19 out of Nick Richards and EJ Montgomery.
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) February 5, 2020
I think we might be on to something.
Quickies
What to know about Kentucky’s remaining targets - Courier Journal
Let’s hope Kentucky can add Drennen to this class.
Former Cat Epps finding his way at Campbellsville High School - Herald Leader
Anthony Epps is making a name for himself in high school coaching.
NBA adding deep 3’s to 3 point contest - ESPN
The contest is getting a little bit of a shake up.
Dunk contest participants announced - Bleacher Report
Dwight Howard returns to the contest.
Bam Adebayo to appear in skills competition - Yahoo
Good for Bam!
Mills out as Knicks president - ESPN
One of the worst teams in the league is changing things up.
Top spots in 2020 class rankings up for grabs - CBS
Things can change today depending on a few decisions.