In a thrilling matchup on Monday night, the Kentucky Wildcats secured a hard-fought victory over Saint Joseph’s in the Wildcat Challenge. Despite the absence of their key big men, Kentucky showcased their perimeter-oriented style of play that has become their trademark this season. The Cats relied heavily on their three-point shooting to seal the win in overtime, with Tre Mitchell hitting back-to-back threes to establish control and secure an eight-point victory.
The dynamic duo of Mitchell and D.J. Wagner were the driving forces for Kentucky, each contributing 22 points to the team’s triumph. Wagner also impressed with a season-high six assists, displaying his versatility on the court. Antonio Reeves also made a significant impact, contributing 20 points, while Rob Dillingham added 13 points to the tally. Justin Edwards rounded off the impressive offensive display, joining his teammates in double figures with 13 points, as well as contributing six assists and five rebounds.
Kentucky’s success from beyond the arc was a key factor in their victory, as they connected on 12 of 25 three-point attempts, showcasing their ability to shoot from long range. This continues a trend of hot shooting from outside in recent games, with the Cats hitting at least 10 three-pointers in each of their last three outings.
In the first half of the game, Kentucky faced some shooting struggles, but Reeves and Dillingham stepped up to keep the Cats in the contest. Both guards displayed their shooting efficiency, combining to shoot 8 of 12 from the field, while the rest of the team struggled to find their rhythm, shooting 6 of 17. Despite the close nature of the game, Kentucky managed to maintain a slim 41-38 lead heading into halftime.
Looking ahead, Kentucky will be eager to continue their winning momentum as they prepare to face Marshall at Rupp Arena on Friday night. With tipoff set for 7 p.m., fans can catch the action live on the SEC Network.
