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In the Kentucky Wildcats’ final home game of the season, they topped the Ole Miss Rebels, 96-78, to finish the season with a 16-2 record at Rupp Arena.
In a game that registered 19 fouls in the first 20 minutes of game action, it was a relatively high-scoring affair.
Five Wildcats finished the game in double figures, led by Kevin Knox with 22 points and 4 rebounds. PJ Washington (10 points, 5 rebounds), Quade Green (18, 4 assists), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (17 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists) and Wenyen Gabriel (15 points, 5 rebounds) also had solid games.
Terence Davis wore out the net, scoring 26 points for the Rebels in a losing effort.
Kentucky was considerably efficient scoring the ball tonight, shooting 50% from the field, 44% from behind the arc and 75% from the free-throw line.
Highlights
Box Score
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Game MVP
Tonight’s game MVP goes to Gilgeous-Alexander. The team’s most consistent player over the last month and a half scored 17 points but also flirted with a triple double by adding 7 rebounds and 9 assists. It seems every other game someone steps up for this team, which is nice for a young team’s confidence. However, come tournament time, the Wildcats will need every member of their young squad to bring it in order to truly compete for a title.
What’s Next?
Saturday, the Wildcats will travel to Gainesville, Florida for their regular season finale with the Florida Gators. Back in January, Kentucky lost a close one (66-64) at home to Florida. The Gators are 19-11 on the season and are coming off two quality wins over #12 Auburn and Alabama.
ESPN’s Basketball Power Index currently has the Cats at just 33.5% to win on Saturday. With a loss, they’d finish the season at 21-10 and a top-4 finish in the SEC would be in jeopardy. With a win, however, they’d have a 22-9 record and lock up a top-4 finish.
The SEC Tournament will he held in St. Louis, Missouri and the first round will start next Wednesday night.
For more updates on the Cats and the SEC Tournament, check back with ASeaOfBlue.com.