In a surprising turn of events, the No. 12 Kentucky Wildcats suffered a tough loss to UNC-Wilmington with a final score of 80-73 at Rupp Arena on Saturday afternoon. Freshman Reed Sheppard was a standout performer for Kentucky, as he racked up an impressive 25 points. Sheppard shot 9 of 17 from the field, including 3 of 6 from behind the arc, and made all four of his free throws. He also contributed nine rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
While Sheppard’s performance was commendable, it wasn’t enough to secure a victory for Kentucky. Antonio Reeves added 14 points before fouling out, while Justin Edwards and Tre Mitchell each contributed 11 points and six rebounds. Unfortunately, the Wildcats struggled from behind the arc, only making five of 17 attempts, resulting in a disappointing 29.4 percent shooting percentage.
Kentucky head coach John Calipari acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, noting that they didn’t play with the same energy and execution they had displayed in previous games. Calipari emphasized the importance of rebounding and defense, especially on days when shots aren’t falling.
“We couldn’t stay in front of the ball,” Calipari admitted. “We’ve got stuff to learn. You win and you learn. You better guard the ball better.”
Despite Kentucky’s struggles, Calipari acknowledged UNC-Wilmington’s deserving victory. He commended their strong performance, recognizing their shooting accuracy and execution. Credit to the opposing team for outplaying Kentucky on their home court.
Looking ahead, the Wildcats have an opportunity to bounce back as they visit Philadelphia for a matchup against Penn on Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for noon ET, and fans can catch the game on ESPN2. Kentucky will undoubtedly be looking to redeem themselves after this surprising loss.
