A Sea Of Blue - Kentucky vs. Duquesne: Everything to knowOnline Home of the Big Blue Nation: Kentucky Wildcats Sports for the Discerning Fanhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46621/aseaof-fav.png2022-11-13T12:50:41-05:00http://www.aseaofblue.com/rss/stream/232135642022-11-13T12:50:41-05:002022-11-13T12:50:41-05:00Bodies on the Floor
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<img alt="Chris Livingston" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7x2W3VTGajaP6VLl0ZwdHg05Z9g=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71622895/IMG_6700.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>Dylan Ballard - A Sea of Blue</figcaption>
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<p>The key to the season might be found in the fight of the Wildcats.</p> <p id="0EO2NL">Kentucky defeated Duquesne by a final score of 77-52 at Rupp Arena to climb to 2-0 on the season. It was a good night and if you were watching closely, you may have witnessed what may <strong>the key</strong> to the entire season for the University of Kentucky. </p>
<p id="1iDDkr">The details are important. UK shot 45.9% from the field and 57.9% from three while holding the Dukes to 30.3% shooting and 26.9% from deep. A good night. Solid and the game was well in hand early on. </p>
<p id="5LiS9l">Antonio Reeves and CJ Fredrick again led the Wildcats with a combined 32 points on 10-18 shooting and 8-13 from deep. These veteran guards are giving the Cats something they have not had consistently for some time – the threat of and more importantly the delivery of points from outside. You will remember they opened the season combining for 42 points on 14-25 shooting and 8-17 from three in the season-opener vs. Howard. Right now, we cannot even calculate how valuable this will be when Oscar Tshiebwe returns and the opposing teams can’t merely collapse on Oscar in the middle. </p>
<p id="Hk9JVV">Sahvir Wheeler returned and reminded the Big Blue Nation what an elite player he is. He finished with 11 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, two steals, one block and two turnovers in 27 minutes of action. His ability to control the pace of the game, push the ball, and keep things running is essential. With Cason Wallace proving to have many of the same skills in development. Wheelers return and Wallace’s ability to step in at the point, gives the Cats a confidence that will help carry them over the course of the season. </p>
<p id="NVP6Gh"><em>“Ugonna, wow,” </em>John Calipari reacted to the play of freshman, Ugonna Onyenso. Cal added, <em>“he impacts the game the minute he walks on the court. Not afraid.”</em> The 6-foot-11 center scored nine points on 4-7 shooting to go with ten big rebounds, and an impressive three blocks in 19 minutes. The wow factor changed the game with his defense and the way he was able to wipe the glass. As Oscar returns, one the great tasks the staff will have to face is how to get him the minutes he needs and how to most effectively use him alongside Tshiebwe. </p>
<p id="lKQ16u">Two games into the season, all of the things above are great things to note. But may not be the key ingredient to success.</p>
<p id="ho8lmG">The real sign that this team is going to be special was seen in game one and put on display brilliantly in game two. This is a team that is not afraid to put their bodies on the floor and fight for the ball. On more than one occasion, the Cats were diving into the fray, attacking the loose ball, not quitting, and coming away with solid recoveries. The reason that matters is simple. If this is a team, playing without a couple of their star players is willing to do that and put forth that effort – then that is the kind of heart that can win games, big games, when you need them the most. Of all the highlight and hopeful signs the Cats have displayed this far in the young season, that <em>one “thing”</em> may be the <em>IT factor</em> –<strong> the key</strong> - that takes this team to another level.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/13/23454926/kentucky-wildcats-basketball-bodies-on-the-floorDixononDisney2022-11-12T07:15:00-05:002022-11-12T07:15:00-05:00John Calipari recaps Kentucky’s win over Duquesne
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kLGgIi6ZpdzVTOlNXv_dzUSXZhA=/0x0:2592x1728/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71618467/2D6E4E85_AB2A_41CA_B0D9_54AED1036CF9.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>Dylan Ballard - A Sea of Blue</figcaption>
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<p>The Cats score another impressive win at home with two big tests coming up.</p> <p id="hf3tVl">The <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com">Kentucky Wildcats</a>’ second game of the season took place Friday night, and it ended with a 77-52 win over the Duquesne Dukes.</p>
<p id="36EAPj">The Wildcats were once against without Oscar Tshiebwe and Daimion Collins but did have Sahvir Wheeler back. He finished with 11 points, 11 assist and 6 rebounds in just 27 minutes of play. He also finished with a team high +/- of 32 with next closet Cat at +20. </p>
<p id="sBUIRI">The Cats also saw other high level performances as once again Antonio Reeves and CJ Fredrick were the top leaders scorers, just as the first game. Antonio finished with 18 and Fredrick with 14. </p>
<p id="okXqly">The Cats saw three players in double figures, shot 57% from 3, and Ugonna Onyenso led the team in rebounds with 10 while Oscar was out.</p>
<p id="H5fzCE">Here is a recap of what John Calipari said after the game via UK Athletics.</p>
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<p id="QUOhb4"><strong>Q.</strong> <strong>One, how is Daimion doing? And, two, how do you think —</strong></p>
<p id="Ewymfw">JOHN CALIPARI: How did what?</p>
<p id="B8BZKV"><strong>Q.</strong> <strong>How is Daimion doing? I know he went home. And your thoughts on Sahvir’s night tonight?</strong></p>
<p id="6ddXTz">JOHN CALIPARI: You get one question. Which one you want? First one? Okay. (<em>Jokingly</em>)</p>
<p id="WL9RFC">We’re leaving tomorrow to go to the funeral. I wanted to take the whole team, but we’ve got to go to Indianapolis, come back, go to Spokane, come back, go to London. They don’t need another trip.</p>
<p id="7Ypmub">But Cason is family, so he’s going to go with us. And then we’ll come back with Daimion. There was a family viewing today that he needed to be there for. It was amazing. He left after practice, or as practice was ending and all the guys hugged him.I mean, it’s, what’s happened, he’s got family here, and it’s these players. They all greeted him when he came back. He didn’t get in until 11:50, and they were all the waiting for him at the lodge to just let him know and hang out with him. So, it will be good to get him back.</p>
<p id="OrqQlP">And Sahvir did well. He played more minutes than I wanted to play him. But, I think our guards are going to play 25, 20 to 25, 27, depending on who is playing well. Antonio keeps amazing me. C.J.’s doing his thing. Cason. Sahvir. We got four really good guards. I thought Chris Livingston banged the boards and rebounded. Could have played him more, but I was trying to let Jacob play through, like come on kid, rough it up. And that’s why I left him on the floor.</p>
<p id="Dj1Pej">But Chris did well. Adou, I told him after, the game wasn’t one that I wanted to shove him in the game. But he’s going to be fine. I just told him, just be ready.</p>
<p id="0bkLOh">And Ugonna, wow. Like, he impacts the game the minute he walks on the court. Not afraid. How about he shot a right-handed jump hook from 12 feet. Air ball. But, he had the courage to shoot it.</p>
<p id="SLIerk">By the way, Mike and Molly McGuire are going to come in after if you have questions for them or anything. Wasn’t it neat though? They’re all here. They came, parents, siblings, children, some other people from the town. I mean there were a lot of — they all came. Which is great. I mean, you know, I’m not one that likes to go to these kinds of things unless I’m watching one of my players. This is my life. But they come in here and see it, and they want to stay and be in Lexington tomorrow some and enjoy the city. And I’m going to say this again because I grabbed the family in the hallway and told them again how it happened. I was sent the picture, don’t know who sent it, immediately saw it. Obviously, my grandfather was a coal miner. I said, I want this guy at one of our games. Find out who it is. We’ll give him the VIP. And then I didn’t think about it again.</p>
<p id="G1uy41">By the time I got to the office, it had circled the world. And it was because here’s a hardworking guy that is into his family and his children enough to forget about showering, cleaning. I’m just going to go be with my son and I don’t want to waste time. And it was one of those feel-good stories. </p>
<p id="skwULP">And let me say this about Duquesne, too. I’m a fan of their program. I grew up in Pittsburgh. Keith’s — he just stuck a team together of like 11 new guys. And let me explain, by the middle of this season we will say, we beat a good team. Look at them. We beat a good team. They missed some shots. They were a little bit, you know, things that they won’t do later. They’re trying to figure each other out. But they’ve got good guys. They posted us up. They did what they wanted at times.</p>
<p id="jOBlHO"><strong>Q.</strong> <strong>Curious about Ugonna and the potential down the road with Sahvir and Cason the way they pressure out front and having a guy like that in the back that can change shots like he does. </strong></p>
<p id="mHLIow">JOHN CALIPARI: Yeah, we have a lot of options. The thing I told the guards today is, look, you’re going to play between 20 and 25, 26, 27 minutes. They all played 27 today.</p>
<p id="aFRD95">And I said, if one of you really is playing well, you’ll play more. And if someone’s struggling, this isn’t brain surgery, you’re going to play less. And the same holds true with other guys. When you have a deep team, it holds you accountable.</p>
<p id="DLAf1G">Now, it doesn’t mean this is for the rest of the season. Get yourself right and let’s go. Next game. Move on.</p>
<p id="0t8zLe"><strong>Q.</strong> <strong>For the second straight game C.J. and Antonio were the two leading scorers. It looks like you guys went 57 percent from three. How much does that open up the floor for your offense when you have two guys that can fill it up like that?</strong></p>
<p id="YzmPtd">JOHN CALIPARI: Well, we’re not throwing it inside to Oscar right now. So when you throw it inside, we threw it some to Ugonna. How about the one he kicked out for a three? The guys went crazy in the huddle telling him what a great job he did.</p>
<p id="6uLgj5">But, no, it helps us. Cason can shoot it. Sahvir’s shooting it way better. We’ve just got to, like I said, this next game, the reason this was a good game, I knew it would be a roughhouse game. I know how Keith coaches. Not giving you an inch.</p>
<p id="HjkxmB">The next game we play is going to be a roughhouse game. Now, either you can play in a roughhouse game or you can’t. If you can’t, don’t worry about it, go on to the next game. You just won’t play much because this game will be, it’s going to be a roughhouse.</p>
<p id="zDNPNH">Offensive rebounds, you’re going to have to work like crazy because they’re going to hold block outs. You’re going to have to fight. They’re going to fight through screens. They’re going to be up in you. They’re going to collapse defensively. They’re as well-coached a team as we’ll play all year. And they had Gonzaga beat, I guess, tonight. They lost by one?</p>
<p id="kVdAVX">Gonzaga, are they No. 1 in the country? What’s <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com">Michigan State</a>, then? Was the boat moving or something? I don’t know.</p>
<p id="E5seRR"><strong>Q.</strong> <strong>What is Oscar’s status right now? How far along is he compared to last time you talked about him? And what about Tuesday for him?</strong></p>
<p id="HN5SqT">JOHN CALIPARI: I don’t know yet. he’s got to go through some workouts and if it swells or does stuff, we’re just going to have to wait. That surgery, he’s ahead of schedule, but, you know, you’ve got to be able to stop and turn and, you know, it’s not ligament or anything like that. But there was an operation where they went inside that area where it will still be sore for a minute.</p>
<p id="sIXT12">So, we’ll have to see. I hope, but I have no idea. I did not think Sahvir would play as many minutes as he played. But he got tired. He said, ‘you know I never take myself out, and I took myself out.’</p>
<p id="dccedk"><strong>Q.</strong> <strong>Obviously you came into this game with exactly 40 minutes of film on this particular Duquesne team. But coming out of the game, what would you describe as their identity going forward?</strong></p>
<p id="liI3In">JOHN CALIPARI: They’re going to be a tough out and I’m going to tell you why. They’ve got really good guards and they’ve got guys that aren’t afraid to be physical.</p>
<p id="9OoHCs">We had two rebounds offensively at halftime. Two. They checked us. They bodied us. They didn’t let — they got almost every 50/50 ball in the first half. And we talked about it. But that’s how they’re going to play. But here’s the big thing. They have good guards. Their guards are good. The guys inside, listen, when we played behind ‘em, the guy turned and scored. One kid’s 6’-10”.</p>
<p id="98MjPq">So, what I will tell you is, as this season goes on, you’re going to see, one, Keith’s a hell of a coach; but two, you’re going to see that team, because, like the fans here, it’s like what I have to do every year. You’ve got a brand new team and early on they’re going to struggle a little bit and make some mistakes, and then as it goes on, they get better and better and by the end, they will be really — when you have good guards in college basketball, you’ve got a chance. And they got good guards.</p>
<p id="K7XT02"><strong>Q.</strong> <strong>How do you think Jacob has played so far?</strong></p>
<p id="jYmrE4">JOHN CALIPARI: He’s done okay. He’s done okay. He’s got to be better than he is, but he’s done okay. He’s way better than he was. But, you know, I mean, playing through bumps, wanting contact, 50/50 balls, rebounding in traffic, those things that you’re going to win at the highest level.</p>
<p id="lB6jcr">And Daimion comes back, it forces you to, you know, because they may be trying to do the same thing to Daimion.</p>
<p id="OMsqSc"><strong>Q.</strong> <strong>How pleased were you tonight with the team’s ball movement. You got 22 assists on the 28 made field goals.</strong></p>
<p id="CeScyZ">JOHN CALIPARI: Can I say this? We have good guards. And when you have good guards, you get that kind of play. And, like the good news is if they play 25 minutes and they get 18 points, they’re evaluated by 40 minutes. That’s how this, the analytics go.</p>
<p id="5dnxKN">And so the best time — I’ve said this before, the max minutes is about 28 and then you start going the other way, your efficiency. So they’re playing about that max that they want to play if they’re worried about efficiency, which I am too.</p>
<p id="yBQHdj"><strong>Q.</strong> <strong>You talked about going from 11 guys to eight guys by the end of the season. Is part of that spreading minutes around maybe limiting Oscar’s minutes from — no?</strong></p>
<p id="Oz6Lm9">JOHN CALIPARI: No. I just, he can’t play 36 minutes. And part of the reason he can’t is there’s this kid, Ugonna, that’s going to deserve some minutes. And then the question is, can they play together? I don’t know. I haven’t coached them together.</p>
<p id="fU606i">Ugonna, you tell him one time and he’s got what you say. One time. You don’t have to tell him twice. I already told you — no. Whatever I tell him, he does. But there may be games where he’s doing what he needs to and we leave him in the game, but the issue is right now, you’re going to play more people and then when you get down to it, you’re going to play seven or eight guys.</p>
<p id="saxPp5">The hard thing becomes, you know, you’re talking four really good guards. Like, here’s the other one. Chris Livingston was really good today. Probably should have played more minutes, but I wanted Jacob to play through bumps and figure stuff out, so I played him more. But if that were the continual thing, Chris would have played 27 minutes instead of 19. He would have played the extra minutes. </p>
<p id="wD340F"><strong>Q.</strong> <strong>If Oscar had been healthy from the get-go, do you think Ugonna gets this opportunity? And how much has he exceeded what you thought he might do coming in?</strong></p>
<p id="7F6kpt">JOHN CALIPARI: Well, he’s exceeded, but you probably are right. But, you know, I mean, Lance fought like heck today. He did better. I think both of them, you know, there may be a game that it’s Lance’s game and there may be a game that it’s Ugonna’s game. But the question is, who becomes that four? Is it Daimion? Is it Jacob? I’ve been playing Chris at four. Not a bad team. A little bit smaller, but as long as Chris rebounds, who cares? Damian, then you almost have four guards in, because he can shoot and play too.</p>
<p id="BGqBxH">But this, again, this was a good win. I was worried this morning. I was really worried about Howard. And then worried about this game because I watched 40 minutes of them just pound Montana by a hundred, and I’m like, what in the world?</p>
<p id="3m204k">But good game and I wish them well. Keith knows I’m rooting for Duquesne. And I go back to the Red Manning days and the John Cinicola days. Some of you Pittsburgh people know what I’m talking about. So it’s a terrific program and they’re in a good league.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/12/23454317/john-calipari-recaps-kentucky-duquesne-oscar-tshiebwe-newsDylanballard_UK2022-11-12T06:00:00-05:002022-11-12T06:00:00-05:00Wildcats discuss win over Duquesne
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<img alt="Sahvir Wheeler" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/z99rxR9YM8u3Kyp-i4OL2Ugwl0g=/138x0:1623x990/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71618242/D42AEE6C_915F_463F_820A_4DFFB7CBFFA2.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>Dylan Ballard - A Sea of Blue</figcaption>
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<p>Kentucky gets to 2-0 as Sahvir Wheeler makes his return.</p> <p id="woiuOj">The <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com">Kentucky Wildcats</a> picked up a big win against the Duquesne Dukes ahead of the Championships Classic on Tuesday vs. <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com">Michigan State</a>.</p>
<p id="pzy6fi">Kentucky received big games from multiple players, including returning point guard Sahvir Wheeler with 11 points, 11 assists and six rebounds in his return to action. We also saw Jacob Toppin pull in eight rebounds, but John Calipari stressed getting more from him.</p>
<p id="cS6Jb1">Perhaps the most impressive performance was from freshman Ugonna Onyenso, who finished with nine points and 10 rebounds.</p>
<p id="tALjIU">We heard from all three after the game.</p>
<p id="xYhThR"><strong>Sahvir Wheeler </strong></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We talk with Point Gaurd Savhir Wheeler post game! <a href="https://t.co/ebmqXOPOAK">pic.twitter.com/ebmqXOPOAK</a></p>— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) <a href="https://twitter.com/DylanBallard_UK/status/1591266638296666112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<p id="2o55z1"><strong>Jacob Toppin </strong></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We talk with Jacob Toppin post game! <a href="https://t.co/ybPh56H5Mr">pic.twitter.com/ybPh56H5Mr</a></p>— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) <a href="https://twitter.com/DylanBallard_UK/status/1591267037669883904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<p id="0oJp9X"><strong>Ugonna Onyenso </strong></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We talk with freshman Ugonna Onyenso! <a href="https://t.co/Ufup2Pqamz">pic.twitter.com/Ufup2Pqamz</a></p>— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) <a href="https://twitter.com/DylanBallard_UK/status/1591266823047385088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<p id="H5fzCE">Here is a transcript of what they said after the game via UK Athletics.</p>
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<p id="c4PnmJ"><strong>#0, Jacob Toppin, F </strong></p>
<p id="rt835v"><em>On what improvements the team can make before Michigan State…</em></p>
<p id="l29gBg">“We’re giving up too many offensive rebounds and we’re not getting enough offensive rebounds. We’ve got to play more physical. Me personally, I’ve got to be more physical. I’ve got to be better. Going into this next game against Michigan State, it’s going be a rough one, they are a physical team so we need to punch first. So that’s what we’re going work on, just being physical, grabbing rebounds and just doing all the dirty work.”</p>
<p id="sQLIo5"><em>On having Sahvir Wheeler back… </em></p>
<p id="9kldTN">“Very nice. He speeds the game up for us and makes it a lot easier for us as a whole because he can get downhill, dish it out to our shooters who can make shots. He looks for the open guy, so it’s definitely enjoyable for him to be back.”</p>
<p id="q0vHoz"><em>On if the physical game prepared the team for Tuesday…</em></p>
<p id="GFPeUS">“I mean I feel like every game prepares us for the next. Obviously we’re going to go back, watch film, see what we can improve on, and improve on that before the Michigan State game.”</p>
<p id="JubsCb"><strong>#33, Ugonna Onyenso, F</strong></p>
<p id="vDvpej"><em>On how he was playing on defense…</em></p>
<p id="bNRkbu">“I am working on being more vocal on the court, you know. Calling out screens, knowing where to be, and helping my teammates when it comes to the screens.”</p>
<p id="Qdz0uV"><em>On what’s it like to play in front of so many fans in Rupp Arena…</em></p>
<p id="7b2wUv">“I am still adjusting to the crowd. I have not been in front of a big crowd before. As time goes on I will feel more confident about playing in front of a crowd. I will have to wrap my mind around playing in an environment with many people.”</p>
<p id="4icYS3"><em>On what his shot blocking ability does for the defense…</em></p>
<p id="TZQe0M">“I would say it helped the defense. I feel like I have the ability to stay in the game because of what I do. The fact that I help the team by blocking shots. I think it is going to get me more minutes. I am still working on other things. For now I am just playing a role on the team and doing my best to help the team.”</p>
<p id="NDQZEN"><strong>#2, Sahvir Wheeler, G </strong></p>
<p id="APw68M"> </p>
<p id="5PnlE9"><em>On what it felt like being back in Rupp Arena and getting back out there with his teammates again…</em> </p>
<p id="ap5Mgm"><em>“</em>It was great, it was great. A lot of fun, happy to play basketball again, you know, for real this time. Cal is on the record books, getting back in front our great fans and just to get another W in the W column was great.” </p>
<p id="tYK1dW"> </p>
<p id="H9rfGb"><em>On what it’s like playing with Cason (Wallace)…</em> </p>
<p id="naI8AY">“He makes the game way easier on both ends. On offense, he can be the primary ball-handler as well, I don’t always have to come back and get it. He can initiate, he can create plays for himself and others, and defensively, that kind of speaks for itself. We’re probably two of the premiere, elite on-ball defenders in the country. We try to guard, we complement each other in that way, we’re both athletic, we’ve got speed and ultimately, we make each better and we make our teammates better.” </p>
<p id="O2iO9m"> </p>
<p id="CJhQWl"><em>On how good the team is when they have a freshman seven-footer in the back…</em> </p>
<p id="buSMVb">“It’s crazy. Go ahead, you got to go by me and Cason and everybody else and we’re going to funnel you down there – so that’s big time. You know Coach Cal always talked about that his teams that were successful, they had a shot-blocking presence. So, when he’s (Ugonna) back there, when Daimion (Collins) gets back there when he gets back, all of that’s going to be hard for teams to go against. We’re going to wear you out, we’re going to get into your legs, pick you up full court, then you have to go finish over Ugonna and Daimion and hopefully at some point we get Jacob (Toppin) to get a couple blocks as well. Lance has been protecting the rim – because I think he had a couple blocks today again so, all those guys are chipping in.” </p>
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https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/12/23454318/kentucky-wildcats-duquesne-dukes-sahvir-wheelerDylanballard_UK2022-11-12T01:13:45-05:002022-11-12T01:13:45-05:00John Calipari discusses the latest on Oscar Tshiebwe
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<figcaption>Jason Marcum - A Sea of Blue</figcaption>
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<p>Will Tshiebwe play in the Champions Classic? It’s looking dicey...</p> <p id="qyqN9Q"><strong>UPDATE</strong></p>
<p id="VvnzKk">Here’s what John Calipari said about Oscar Tshiebwe following the <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com">Kentucky Wildcats</a>’ 77-52 win over Duquesne. </p>
<p id="BGLlOu">“I don’t know yet,” Calipari said on if Tshiebwe will play in Tuesday’s Champions Classic. “He’s got to go through some workouts and if it swells or does stuff, we’re just going to have to wait.</p>
<p id="vDeEPd">“That surgery...he’s ahead of schedule, but you know, you’ve got to be able to stop and turn. It’s not ligament or anything like that. But there was an operation where they went inside that area where it will still be sore for a minute. So we’ll have to see.”</p>
<p id="tcwgR5">Consider Tshiebwe highly questionable to face <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com">Michigan State</a> next week.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="1hfGPR">
<p id="KCNc6Z">The <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com">Kentucky Wildcats</a> were without Oscar Tshiebwe once again on Friday for the second game of the regular season. </p>
<p id="16a4xD">Kentucky basketball’s official Twitter page announced that Tshiebwe is considered day-to-day with his knee injury.</p>
<div id="2tNAS2">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Oscar Tshiebwe (right leg) is out and is day-to-day. Daimion Collins (personal reasons) is also out.</p>— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KentuckyMBB/status/1591215461710336000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2022</a>
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<p id="xOWuB3">During the official UK pregame show, Jack Givens said Tshiebwe has been going through some drills in practice but doesn’t expect him back for at least another week. </p>
<p id="v03qUv">“He is at least a week away. Just simply because he hasn’t done any contact.”</p>
<aside id="74Pgca"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Twitter reactions to Kentucky running past Duquesne","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/11/23454161/uk-basketball-twitter-reactions-duquesne-dukes-kentucky-2022-ugo-onyenso"},{"title":"Highlights, box score and MVP from Wildcats’ win over Dukes","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/11/23454243/kentucky-wildcats-highlights-box-score-mvp-duquesne-basketball-uk"}]}'></div></aside><p id="mJyM4t">Ben Roberts of the <a href="https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-basketball-men/article268622162.html">Herald-Leader</a> noted that before Friday’s game, Calipari said that Tshiebwe still has not returned to practice.</p>
<p id="DMMIq7">However, Kyle Tucker of The Athletic added that he bets Tshiebwe plays next Tuesday. </p>
<div id="GVl6Ua">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Of note. My bet is he goes vs. Michigan State. <a href="https://t.co/o7mrJEtQeD">https://t.co/o7mrJEtQeD</a></p>— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) <a href="https://twitter.com/KyleTucker_ATH/status/1591218262620401665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2022</a>
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<p id="flHAkE">The Cats face off against the <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com">Michigan State Spartans</a> on Tuesday night in the Champions Classic and that game becomes much more difficult if Tshiebwe is not available.</p>
<p id="fmPdlm">The good news is Sahvir Wheeler made his return vs. Duquesne following his own injury absence, while Daimion Collins is expected to rejoin the team and play vs. Michigan State.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/11/23454194/oscar-tshiebwe-injury-update-kentucky-wildcats-basketball-news-michigan-stateAdam Haste2022-11-11T21:19:13-05:002022-11-11T21:19:13-05:00Twitter reactions to Kentucky running past Duquesne
<figure>
<img alt="Ugonna Kingsley Onyenso" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SroW8BxO3eBDkRUIrGu0rXGhcjk=/28x0:2428x1600/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71617618/ugonna_kingsley_onyenso_jm_2_hdr_mode_1.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jason Marcum - A Sea of Blue</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Ugo is the real deal.</p> <p id="AsydXi">The <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> picked up their second win of the season on Friday night, as they raced past the Duquesne Dukes, 77-52. </p>
<p id="rAKNdP">Duquesne slowed the Cats down early in the first half, and played some stifling defense for a few minutes to start the game. But after a loose ball turned into a CJ Fredrick three, Kentucky put the pedal to the metal on offense to jump out to a 38-22 lead after the first 20 minutes. </p>
<p id="FLpbpD">Once again a huge talking point in the first half though is the defense. For what many thought would be a team that struggled defensively early this season, they impressed once again holding the Dukes to 25% shooting from the field in the half. </p>
<p id="RM1Agp">The second half mirrored the first in numbers ways, as the Dukes defense locked down the Cats in the first few minutes of the half, cutting the lead to nine before a quick timeout by John Calipari. From that point on Kentucky took control once again, flexing their muscles on offense from all three levels to propel them to a 25-point win. </p>
<aside id="uRer7w"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The latest on Oscar Tshiebwe","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/11/23454194/oscar-tshiebwe-injury-update-kentucky-wildcats-basketball-news-michigan-state"},{"title":"DJ Wagner expected to announce decision early next week","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/9/23450568/dj-wagner-uk-basketball-recruiting-news-champions-classic"},{"title":"Kentucky beats Duquesne: 4 things to know and postgame cheers","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/11/23454176/kentucky-basketball-beats-duquesne-dukes-final-score-recap-4-takeaways"}]}'></div></aside><p id="kVWHko">You can't talk about tonight’s win without mentioning the season debut of Sahvir Wheeler. After some talk of how could him and Cason Wallace play together, Wheeler stepped in and shut that talk down quickly. He finished the night with 11 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds. Quite a performance from the senior point-guard.</p>
<p id="kXmjmm">The Cats will now head to Indianapolis for a matchup with <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com">Michigan State</a> on Tuesday in the Champions Classic. </p>
<p id="CUmrzs">Now, let's take a look at some highlights from Twitter after tonight’s win.</p>
<div id="uZNkTh">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Running it back with the same five tonight.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoBigBlue?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoBigBlue</a> <a href="https://t.co/N7Z5YfGsvD">pic.twitter.com/N7Z5YfGsvD</a></p>— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KentuckyMBB/status/1591215459038539776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2022</a>
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<div id="Vpt6rb">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is art <a href="https://t.co/yAb5B2gKpr">pic.twitter.com/yAb5B2gKpr</a></p>— Barstool Kentucky (@BarstoolUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarstoolUK/status/1591221179599446016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<div id="DlxjRJ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sahvir Wheeler makes his season debut, Rupp Arena crowd goes crazy</p>— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) <a href="https://twitter.com/JackPilgrimKSR/status/1591222876019261440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<div id="qR52tv">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Now entering the game ... <a href="https://twitter.com/sahvir_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sahvir_</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoBigBlue?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoBigBlue</a> <a href="https://t.co/OQZhaNbNzH">pic.twitter.com/OQZhaNbNzH</a></p>— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KentuckyMBB/status/1591222826161557505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<div id="MgL2bg">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Fadeaway jumper from Ugonna Onyenso, who has 6 points in 2 minutes. 3-for-3 from the floor. <a href="https://t.co/9R4vUUmTCc">https://t.co/9R4vUUmTCc</a></p>— Ben Roberts (@BenRobertsHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenRobertsHL/status/1591224048285265920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<div id="gHFcMb">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I love the role of veteran enforcer for Lance Ware but just not sure how he gets minutes when Oscar returns. Onyenso has to be out there.</p>— Big Blue Drew (@BigBlueDrew33) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigBlueDrew33/status/1591224873430716421?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<div id="NtGaDd">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pretty cool: The coal mining father that John Calipari reached out to after the Blue-White scrimmage is in attendance tonight with the VIP tickets sent by the program, directly behind Kentucky’s bench with his entire family.</p>— Tres Terrell (@TerrellTres) <a href="https://twitter.com/TerrellTres/status/1591225217518809088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<div id="gM2kiI">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Guys, I think as good as Cason Wallace is, Sahvir Wheeler might still be really, really, really valuable to Kentucky.<br><br>Wheeler with 4 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds in 5 minutes. Turned on the turbos, finished, created, smothered dudes on defense. He's pretty good.</p>— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) <a href="https://twitter.com/KyleTucker_ATH/status/1591226044027006978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<div id="GqSrUp">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">SHOOT ‘EM ALL, ANTONIO!!!!</p>— Brandon Ramsey (@BRamseyKSR) <a href="https://twitter.com/BRamseyKSR/status/1591226987926126592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<div id="rFj9Ml">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shoutout to Coach Chin Coleman who clearly has the Duquesne scout tonight.<br><br>Making a real impact on the game as he calls out the Dukes actions as they happen for the ‘Cats defensively. This stuff MATTERS!<br><br>I’ve been critical of UK’s scouting in the past. It improved w/ changes.</p>— Brandon Ramsey (@BRamseyKSR) <a href="https://twitter.com/BRamseyKSR/status/1591229597542420480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<div id="VYqh1c">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">October 24: <a href="https://twitter.com/UKCoachCalipari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UKCoachCalipari</a> asks Big Blue Nation to help find a coal miner who was at a preseason game with his son<br><br>November 11: Hosts Michael McGuire and his family at Rupp Arena for the second game of the <a href="https://twitter.com/KentuckyMBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KentuckyMBB</a> season <a href="https://t.co/PIeTVJgOVM">pic.twitter.com/PIeTVJgOVM</a></p>— CBS Sports CBB (@CBSSportsCBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsCBB/status/1591228635008339968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<div id="XA2TAU">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cason Wallace got ❌<a href="https://twitter.com/wallace_cason?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wallace_cason</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/KentuckyMBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KentuckyMBB</a> <a href="https://t.co/3SYEI1ecuy">pic.twitter.com/3SYEI1ecuy</a></p>— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/SECNetwork/status/1591231205264920578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<div id="Zj614d">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The “Y” tonight is Kentucky coal miner Michael McGuire, who has several family members with him. Huge ovation from crowd. He’s the one who touched Calipari’s heart when he came straight to the Blue-White Game in Pikeville in his work clothes to be there with his son.</p>— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDrumUK/status/1591238451789467649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<div id="YmNtJK">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Michael McGuire, the coal miner who went viral during the Blue-White game is getting the VIP experience tonight, as promised by <a href="https://twitter.com/UKCoachCalipari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UKCoachCalipari</a>. <br><br>Was just spotlighted on court with his family during a timeout. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FOX56News?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FOX56News</a> <a href="https://t.co/C0YHlWrE9O">pic.twitter.com/C0YHlWrE9O</a></p>— Mitch Brown FOX 56 (@MitchBTV_) <a href="https://twitter.com/MitchBTV_/status/1591238747143950338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<div id="PX4rkj">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">John Calipari said it'll be tough to zone Kentucky with shooters like the Cats have. <br><br>Duquesne went zone and it has brought UK to a grinding halt. Cats 2 of 11 shooting, 6 turnovers, 2 assists this half. Lead is 11 with 11 minutes to go.</p>— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) <a href="https://twitter.com/KyleTucker_ATH/status/1591240840781115393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<div id="ouSQz4">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Reminder: CJ Fredrick is an elite 3-point shooter.<br><br>Now up to three makes from deep, 11 points overall (with three assists and two rebounds)<br><br>Helping Kentucky blow this game open in the second half</p>— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) <a href="https://twitter.com/JackPilgrimKSR/status/1591242587595476992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<div id="7pZM8t">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">CLEAR. THE. WAY.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoBigBlue?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoBigBlue</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/Jtoppin0?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jtoppin0</a> <a href="https://t.co/g895yTu2qd">pic.twitter.com/g895yTu2qd</a></p>— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KentuckyMBB/status/1591244272929738757?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<div id="SXit1j">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sahvir Wheeler in his season debut: 10 assists, 2 turnovers. Kentucky is plus-25 in his 23 minutes.</p>— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) <a href="https://twitter.com/KyleTucker_ATH/status/1591244755870318593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<div id="XVHfrO">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sahvir Wheeler cracks a double-double in his first game back with plenty of time to spare. 11 points and 10 assists. Major asset to this team.</p>— Tres Terrell (@TerrellTres) <a href="https://twitter.com/TerrellTres/status/1591246019236597760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<p id="f0xcWz"></p>
<div id="gO2ci1">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kentucky final stats as the Cats top the Dukes 77-52 <a href="https://twitter.com/ASeaOfBlue?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ASeaOfBlue</a> <a href="https://t.co/VAVJ4QFNR9">pic.twitter.com/VAVJ4QFNR9</a></p>— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) <a href="https://twitter.com/DylanBallard_UK/status/1591247802822463490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<div id="w8l2Bw">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sahvir Wheeler is tonight’s Kentucky +/- champ at +32 </p>— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDrumUK/status/1591252203578470403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<div id="4gBWRJ">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Antonio Reeves so far at Kentucky:<br><br>Bahamas (4 exhibitions): 14 of 27 3s (51.9%), 17.0 ppg<br><br>Preseason (Blue-White + 2 exhib): 10 of 26 3s (38.4%), 18.3 ppg<br><br>Regular-season (2 games): 10 of 18 3s (55.5%), 20 ppg<br><br>Dude is 34 of 71 (48.9%) from 3 in nine live-action UK appearances.</p>— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) <a href="https://twitter.com/KyleTucker_ATH/status/1591248975402864644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<div id="RI5aYD">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Antonio Reeves and CJ Fredrick through 2 games: <br><br>74 points<br>16 of 30 3PFG (53.3%)</p>— TheCatsPause247 (@TheCatsPause247) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheCatsPause247/status/1591251680670384131?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<div id="tJrelS">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ugonna Onyenso on postgame UK radio with Jack Givens.<br><br>Givens asks what Onyenso wants to be called for people who struggle to say his name.<br><br>"Just call me Ugo."</p>— Cameron Drummond (@cdrummond97) <a href="https://twitter.com/cdrummond97/status/1591251446137520128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<div id="ixpyb9">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ugo is tied for 3rd in blocks through first two career UK games <br><br>Anthony Davis (2011-12) - 12<br>Perry Stevenson (2006-07) - 11<br>Rodney Dent (1992-93) - 7<br>Ugonna Onyenso (2022-23) - 7 <a href="https://t.co/j20H2N9wpx">pic.twitter.com/j20H2N9wpx</a></p>— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KentuckyMBB/status/1591261191737081856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
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<p id="taB7kq"><em>Be sure to go</em><a href="https://twitter.com/aseaofblue"><em> follow our Twitter page</em></a><em> and then go</em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/GoASoB/posts/"><em> ‘like’ our Facebook page</em></a><em> to get all of the latest Kentucky Wildcats news and views. </em></p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/11/23454161/uk-basketball-twitter-reactions-duquesne-dukes-kentucky-2022-ugo-onyensoEthan DeWitt2022-11-11T20:56:49-05:002022-11-11T20:56:49-05:00Kentucky beats Duquesne: 4 things to know and postgame cheers
<figure>
<img alt="Antonio Reeves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UC5hCwGlqMY9AqSHEo7wy78Owwo=/0x0:5760x3840/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71617564/5DM36077.0.jpg" />
<figcaption><a class="ql-link" href="https://www.instagram.com/memoriesuntouchedphotography/" target="_blank">Isamu Haynes-Sunayama - A Sea of Blue</a></figcaption>
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<p>The Cats knock off the Dukes for win No. 2 of the young season.</p> <p id="GHmHOO">The <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com">Kentucky Wildcats</a> beat the Duquesne Dukes on Friday night by a score of 77-52.</p>
<p id="GJ6SD6">The Cats came out active on the defensive end despite the offense looking a bit less efficient. While Kentucky wasn't bad by any means in the first half, things did look a bit more stagnant, and they weren't exactly scoring at will, taking a 38-22 lead into the half.</p>
<p id="WBO2nm">After the break, Kentucky didn't look great at times, but as the game wore on, they slowly pulled away for a big victory.</p>
<p id="da0zde">Next up, the Cats will travel to Madison Square Garden to take on the <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com">Michigan State Spartans</a> in the Champions Classic on Tuesday night.</p>
<aside id="iW8pCu"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The latest on Oscar Tshiebwe","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/11/23454194/oscar-tshiebwe-injury-update-kentucky-wildcats-basketball-news-michigan-state"},{"title":"Highlights, box score and MVP from Wildcats’ win over Dukes","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/11/23454243/kentucky-wildcats-highlights-box-score-mvp-duquesne-basketball-uk"},{"title":"Twitter reactions to Kentucky running past Duquesne","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/11/23454161/uk-basketball-twitter-reactions-duquesne-dukes-kentucky-2022-ugo-onyenso"},{"title":"Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt preview, viewing info and score projection","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/10/23445370/vanderbilt-vs-kentucky-tv-channel-live-stream-how-to-watch-online-start-time-odds"}]}'></div></aside><h3 id="kKXVc5"><strong>Wheeler returns, but starting five remains the same</strong></h3>
<p id="j7yZ2R">Sahvir Wheeler made his season debut as he missed the Cats’ final exhibition and first regular season game due to injury. Wheeler did not make the start, as Calipari stuck with the same five as he has the last two games, but he did enter early and played often.</p>
<p id="b5Rwve">While Wheeler has his strengths, I can’t help but think he was the cause of the Cats’ early stagnancy. His inability to shoot really shrinks the Court and allows defenders to spend more time on the perimeter on Kentucky’s actual shooters.</p>
<p id="Dl38NS">With that being said, he’s a veteran presence with a penchant for finding open guys. The All-SEC point guard made a few questionable choices, as is customary, but he has an innate ability to set others up for success, and he did just that in this one, racking up double-digit assists.</p>
<h3 id="vkZGKj"><strong>Rebounding struggles continue</strong></h3>
<p id="8CK7DH">Kentucky has been less than impressive this season (and preseason) on the glass, especially preventing offensive rebounds. They allowed 11 more offensive boards tonight. </p>
<p id="hQOSWE">Obviously, the Cats miss Oscar Tshiebwe, but against these types of opponents, Kentucky has to be better on the glass, especially with Michigan State and Gonzaga coming up next week.</p>
<p id="G248oU">While Kentucky has several uber-athletic players, they’re missing that bruiser that’ll go and grab the ball any time it comes off the rim. Big O’s return will be huge for this team, especially on the defensive end as they limit opponents’ opportunities.</p>
<h3 id="FMoCtR"><strong>Ugonna like Onyenso</strong></h3>
<p id="NUvvs2">Bad pun, I know. I’ve written about Ugonna Kingsley Onyenso the last three games and that’s not changing tonight. Onyenso has to be the most surprising player so far on this year’s team.</p>
<p id="hWPs0j">The reclassified freshman is the youngest player on the team, and while he’s raw offensively, he looks like he’s getting better by the day. </p>
<p id="KCqC1U">Onyenso looks more comfortable in the post and around the rim. He blocks everything that comes his way. And he’s been active on the glass grabbing double-digit rebounds in this game. In fact, I’d go as far as to say he’s easily overtaken Lance Ware as Kentucky’s backup big man once Tshiebwe returns. </p>
<p id="fa29HW">What a late addition Onyenso has been.</p>
<h3 id="GexoKW"><strong>Balanced attack and three-point shooting</strong></h3>
<p id="rQKG0D">The Cats had an incredibly balanced attack tonight as the offense was a bit off. While no player really stood out scoring wise, multiple guys contributed in this one. Additionally, the Cats shot extremely well from deep again.</p>
<p id="0wIpJt">You didn't need to watch the game or read this article to know CJ Fredrick continues to shoot the lights out. The Iowa transfer is arguably the best shooter in the country. </p>
<p id="oF6mU3">Outside of Fredrick, Antonio Reeves unsurprisingly continued to light it up as he led the way in scoring again for the Cats. Cason Wallace, Chris Livingston, and Wheeler also knocked down shots from behind the arc.</p>
<p id="dPpA6k">Another one in the wins column...Go Cats!</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/11/23454176/kentucky-basketball-beats-duquesne-dukes-final-score-recap-4-takeawaysNick Wheatley2022-11-11T17:54:56-05:002022-11-11T17:54:56-05:00Kentucky vs. Duquesne viewing info, what to watch for, odds and predictions
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<img alt="Cheerleader" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CvqUjJuyTwYiCSF96eIpa7l-1aU=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71607545/0I3A2400.5.jpg" />
<figcaption><a class="ql-link" href="https://www.instagram.com/memoriesuntouchedphotography/" target="_blank">Isamu Haynes-Sunayama - A Sea of Blue</a></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>How to watch and follow Wildcats vs. Dukes.</p> <h3 id="eMPhzc">
<a href="https://ukathletics.com/sports/mbball/"><strong>Kentucky Wildcats Basketball</strong></a><strong> vs. </strong><a href="https://goduquesne.com/sports/mens-basketball"><strong>Duquesne Dukes</strong></a>
</h3>
<ul>
<li id="Ozznk7">
<strong>Time:</strong> 7 pm ET </li>
<li id="1CyQHg">
<strong>Date</strong>: November 11</li>
<li id="DQpp4O">
<strong>Location:</strong> Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky</li>
<li id="ooqEGG">
<strong>TV Channel</strong>: The SEC Network has tonight’s TV coverage.</li>
<li id="zrGpAr">
<strong>Announcers</strong>: Play-by play: Mike Morgan; Analyst: Mark Wise.</li>
<li id="vmSjB3">
<strong>Online Stream:</strong> <a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/collections/30601/upcoming"><strong>WatchESPN</strong></a>, <a href="https://plus.espn.com/"><strong>ESPN+</strong></a>, SEC Network+, or the <a href="http://www.espn.com/espn/apps/espn"><strong>ESPN app</strong></a>.</li>
<li id="h6uuQq">
<strong>Radio:</strong> Tom Leach and Jack Givens will have the UK radio network call on WLAP-AM 630, WBUL-FM 98.1, and the <a href="https://ukathletics.com/uk-sports-network/"><strong>UK Sports Network</strong></a>.</li>
<li id="yVAZ1m">
<strong>Replay:</strong> <a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/collections/26384/live-upcoming"><strong>WatchESPN</strong></a> and SEC Network (check local listings).</li>
<li id="v6FCkA">
<strong>Rosters:</strong> <a href="https://ukathletics.com/sports/mbball/roster/"><strong>UK</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="https://goduquesne.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster?path=mbball"><strong>DU</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="r4Hozl">
<strong>Stats To Know: </strong><a href="https://www.teamrankings.com/ncaa-basketball/team/kentucky-wildcats/stats"><strong>UK</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="https://www.teamrankings.com/ncaa-basketball/team/duquesne-dukes"><strong>DU</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="16IZrP">
<strong>Team Sheets</strong>: <a href="https://www.barttorvik.com/team.php?team=kentucky"><strong>UK</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="https://www.barttorvik.com/team.php?team=Duquesne"><strong>DU</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="jsen3q"><a href="https://www.statbroadcast.com/events/statbroadcast.php?t=1&gid=kty"><strong>Live Stats</strong></a></li>
<li id="BUGrKG">
<strong>Odds: </strong>Kentucky is currently a 19.5-point favorite in this one <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/event/duquesne-%40-kentucky/27893549">via DraftKings Sportsbook</a>. <a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401497509">ESPN’s matchup predictor</a> gives the Wildcats a 95.2% chance of winning, <a href="https://kenpom.com/team.php?team=Kentucky">KenPom</a> gives them a 97% of getting the win, and <a href="https://www.barttorvik.com/team.php?team=kentucky">Bart Torvik</a> has it at 94%.</li>
<li id="X2fgHZ">
<strong>Predictions</strong>: <a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401497509">TeamRankings</a> projects an 82-62 win for the Cats. <a href="https://kenpom.com/index.php">KenPom</a> is going with an 81-62 victory for Kentucky. <a href="https://www.barttorvik.com/trank.php#">Bart Torvik</a> went with an 82-65 margin.</li>
</ul>
<div id="9yCbyR">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Coach O to end shootaround <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoBigBlue?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoBigBlue</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachOantigua?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachOantigua</a> <a href="https://t.co/jmFaiJY9Gu">pic.twitter.com/jmFaiJY9Gu</a></p>— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KentuckyMBB/status/1591160426372337665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="pP7GVh">
<p id="UZHtJB">The <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com">Kentucky Wildcats</a> got off to a great start on Monday, defeating Howard 95-63. Now, the focus turns to the Duquesne Dukes, who Kentucky will play on Friday night.</p>
<p id="54RvCt">Compared to Howard (241st in KenPom), Duquesne (122nd in KenPom) will be a bit more of a challenge for the Wildcats, but who are they?</p>
<p id="MSTw0Q">Duquesne University is based out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and plays in the Atlantic-10 conference. As for their program history, they did go to the Final Four in 1940 but have not been to the NCAA Tournament since 1977.</p>
<p id="syoOp5">Starting this season 1-0, the Dukes enter the season on a high note but are projected to finish last place in the A-10, and finish .500 or worse for the third straight season.</p>
<aside id="9UszpD"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The Fast and Hurry-less","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/9/23447493/kentucky-wildcats-basketball-the-fast-and-hurry-less"},{"title":"Where Kentucky stands in Joe Lunardi’s latest Bracketology","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/9/23448009/uk-basketball-in-joe-lunardi-espn-bracketology"},{"title":"Kentucky’s offense appears to be evolving after performance vs. Howard","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/8/23447519/kentucky-basketball-offense-evolving-howard-bison"}]}'></div></aside><p id="EGqm8C">Friday’s game will not be the first matchup between the Dukes and Wildcats, as they have faced off twice in the past (most recently in 2016), with Kentucky winning both games.</p>
<p id="uvKeot">Now, let’s take a look at what to look for in this contest.</p>
<h2 id="xw8m6H"><strong>Can the offense keep its form? </strong></h2>
<p id="xc9MJw">Despite being short-handed in the last exhibition game and season opener, having just 8 scholarship players available, the Kentucky Wildcats have had back-to-back great offensive performances, scoring 111 and 95 points.</p>
<p id="wr3Jlg">While another 95+ point performance shouldn’t be expected, a strong offensive game should be.</p>
<p id="Y15DBv">In his first collegiate game (on his birthday as well) on Monday, Cason Wallace looked like a natural at directing this offense, recording 9 assists but also playing within the offense to score 15 points himself.</p>
<p id="PS1KWh">Of course, it also helps to have CJ Fredrick and Antonio Reeves to pass to. The offensive duo have combined for 79 total points in their last two outings, as well as 16 of Kentucky’s 23 made threes.</p>
<p id="6dZLjD">Can the Wildcats keep it up?</p>
<h2 id="xmjr54"><strong>Who will set themselves apart?</strong></h2>
<p id="rcRhlE">With Damion Collins, Oscar Tshiebwe, and Sahvir Wheeler all potentially out, this is a chance for several role players to go out on the court and play their way into more minutes.</p>
<p id="u6gmEg">John Calipari echoed as much in his postgame press conference on Monday. </p>
<p id="JMt4TY">“The greatest thing about this game and I believe next game is everybody’s getting minutes to show what they are. And if there’s any separation you’ll see it.”</p>
<p id="b80qhp">This is another big game for Ugonna Onyenso, Adou Thiero, and Lance Ware to show what they can bring to this team.</p>
<p id="zZQJDJ">When three of Kentucky’s seven best pieces come back into the lineup — which could happen as early as <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com">Michigan State</a> on Tuesday — expect the rotations to be shortened, which makes this a very important game for Thiero, Onyenso and Ware.</p>
<h2 id="7v3tVR"><strong>Keep Dae Dae Grant in check</strong></h2>
<p id="Nua3hk">There have been countless opponents that have come into Rupp Arena and had the game of their lives, and the Dukes have a player that is coming off a career game, Dae Dae Grant.</p>
<p id="yoMn1N">In their opening game against Montana, Duquesne won 91-63 with Grant going for a game-high 25 points on a perfect shooting performance, including 6/6 from three.</p>
<p id="U9steO">While Duquesne, may not have a lot of explosive weapons, Grant will be one to keep in check, and I would assume Cason Wallace will be ready to make his night very tough.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/9/23449847/kentucky-basketball-duquesne-time-tv-channel-online-stream-predictionsTristan.Pharis2022-11-11T17:44:20-05:002022-11-11T17:44:20-05:00Kentucky vs. Duquesne game thread and pregame reading
<figure>
<img alt="Jacob Toppin" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FND1Bq_t_A8bTVcMfw-YSRdoGOM=/657x438:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71617046/0I3A2297.0.jpg" />
<figcaption><a class="ql-link" href="https://www.instagram.com/memoriesuntouchedphotography/" target="_blank">Isamu Haynes-Sunayama - A Sea of Blue</a></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Cats look to go 2-0 in the first week of college basketball play.</p> <p id="KZQRSK">The <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com">Kentucky Wildcats</a> take on the Duquesne Dukes tonight at 7 pm ET at historic Rupp Arena. You can watch the game on the SEC Network or stream it online live at <a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/collections/30601/upcoming">WatchESPN</a>, <a href="https://plus.espn.com/">ESPN+</a>, SEC Network+, or the <a href="http://www.espn.com/espn/apps/espn">ESPN app</a>.</p>
<p id="owJqLN">It was a great start to the season for the Cats against Howard. They came out with some fire on offense, scoring 95 points without reigning NPOY Oscar Tshiebwe, Sahvir Wheeler, and Damion Collins.</p>
<p id="SoAT5h">Cason Wallace looked special at the point with a near triple-double, and the duo of CJ Fredrick and Antonio Reeves put up a combined 42 points.</p>
<p id="73lgE3">It’s unclear which of Collins/Wheeler/Tshiebwe will play tonight, but the hope is they’ll be good to go vs. <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com">Michigan State</a> in the Champions Classic next Tuesday.</p>
<p id="l0DK9x">Kentucky is currently a 19.5-point favorite in this one <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/event/duquesne-%40-kentucky/27893549">via DraftKings Sportsbook</a>.</p>
<p id="krmMVp">To get hyped for the action, check out some of these pregame reads.</p>
<h2 id="IalyU2">Pregame Reading</h2>
<ul>
<li id="ltga35"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/11/23450080/kentucky-vs-duquesne-gameday-news">Kentucky vs. Duquesne Gameday Headlines</a></li>
<li id="8zWRhA"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/10/23449977/uk-basketball-vs-duquesne-3-players-to-watch-for">3 players to watch as Kentucky hosts Duquesne</a></li>
<li id="2BHVKi"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/10/23449889/kentucky-wildcats-no-crying-in-basketball-kenny-sky-walker-charles-barkley">There’s No Crying In Basketball...Is There?</a></li>
<li id="5K8l4j"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/9/23450480/kentucky-wildcats-reed-sheppard-rob-dillingham-justin-edwards-uk-recruiting">Reed Sheppard, Rob Dillingham and Justin Edwards sign with Kentucky</a></li>
<li id="GCt85T"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/9/23449847/kentucky-basketball-duquesne-time-tv-channel-online-stream-predictions">Kentucky vs. Duquesne viewing info, what to watch for and predictions</a></li>
<li id="dEMjRH"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/9/23450568/dj-wagner-uk-basketball-recruiting-news-champions-classic">DJ Wagner is still expected to sign with UK during the early signing period</a></li>
<li id="zz2Tm4"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/9/23449668/jordy-griggs-kentucky-womens-basketball">Jordy Griggs signs with Kentucky Women’s Basketball</a></li>
<li id="valWSP"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/9/23447493/kentucky-wildcats-basketball-the-fast-and-hurry-less">The Fast and Hurry-less</a></li>
<li id="DsLwrM"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/8/23447519/kentucky-basketball-offense-evolving-howard-bison">Kentucky’s offense appears to be evolving after performance vs. Howard</a></li>
<li id="y9Dv27"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/8/23447358/uk-basketball-coal-miner-family-duquesne-kentucky-john-calipari-michael-mcguire">John Calipari says UK team bus will bring coal miner family to Duquesne game</a></li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="HVaRvF">
<p id="YtmAjj">Go Cats!!!</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/11/11/23453196/how-to-watch-stream-kentucky-vs-duquesne-live-blog-uk-basketballTJ Barnett