The No. 8 ranked Kentucky Wildcats are set to make their return to the court on Friday night as they face off against Illinois State at Rupp Arena. After a short break for the holidays, Kentucky is looking to continue their winning streak and build upon their recent victory over Louisville.
In their last game before the holiday break, Kentucky dominated Louisville with a 95-76 win at the KFC Yum! Center. Super senior Antonio Reeves led the charge with an impressive 30-point performance. Freshman Reed Sheppard also had a standout game, contributing 11 points and 11 assists. Sheppard’s outstanding performance earned him the title of Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week for the second consecutive time.
Friday’s game will hold special significance for Reeves, as he will be facing his former team, Illinois State. Reeves spent his first three collegiate seasons at ISU, amassing an impressive 1,195 points while wearing the Illinois State uniform.
Kentucky currently boasts an impressive 9-2 record and is riding a three-game winning streak. In addition to their victory over Louisville, the Wildcats secured a close 87-83 win against then-No. 9 North Carolina and a solid 81-66 victory over Penn.
The Wildcats have a balanced offensive attack, with five players averaging double figures in scoring this season. Reeves leads the charge, averaging 18.3 points per game. Freshman guard Rob Dillingham is a strong contributor with an average of 14.2 points per outing. Forward Tre Mitchell adds to the scoring with 13.2 points per contest. Sheppard contributes 12.6 points per game, while freshman D.J. Wagner posts an impressive 11.7 points per outing.
Illinois State enters Friday’s game with an 8-4 record and a two-game winning streak. They defeated Southeast Missouri State 85-64 on December 21 and topped North Dakota State with a 75-65 win four days prior.
Darius Burford leads the scoring for Illinois State, averaging 13.7 points per game. Dalton Banks is the only other player for ISU averaging in double figures, contributing 10.9 points per contest.
The anticipated tipoff for Friday’s game is set for 7 p.m. and will be televised on the SEC Network. Kentucky will look to continue their winning streak and showcase their dominant performance against a competitive Illinois State team.
