Kentucky’s first-round victory over 11th-seeded Providence in the NCAA Tournament was due to their rebounding and strong defense. The sixth-seeded team out-rebounded the Friars 48-31, with Oscar Tshiebwe setting a new record for UK with 25 rebounds in a single game. On the defensive end, Kentucky limited Providence to just 36.2% shooting from the field and 20.8% from beyond the arc, while also forcing 10 turnovers and blocking four shots, both impressive outings on defense.
Kentucky’s offense struggled throughout the game. They shot just 36.5% from the field and 31.3% from three-point range, with Antonio Reeves making all five of their three-pointers. In the second half, the team scored only 23 points and shot 25% from the field and 16.7% from three. Those are not stats that will get you deep into the tournament.
Coach Calipari acknowledged the team’s offensive struggles but was pleased with the teams tenacity and their ability to win from the freethrow line despite the poor shooting from the field. “We made free throws down the stretch until the end of the game, and that’s with water boiling, and you stand up at that line and you make those free throws,” Calipari said Saturday.
Kentucky’s free throw shooting was a bright spot, as they went 10-for-13 from the line and 8-for-9 in the second half. “We made free throws played really good defense towards the end of the game and we rebounded,” guard CJ Fredrick added.
It’s worth noting that teams with shooting performances of 36.5% or worse have struggled in this year’s tournament, with several of them being eliminated.
Kentucky will need to improve their shooting from beyond the arc if they hope to advance further in the tournament.
The Kentucky Wildcats face off with Kansas State today at 2:40 PM EST.
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