Kentucky got a much needed signature win on Saturday night in Auburn, defeating the Tigers 70-59 in a game that Kentucky led for the entire game, and had total control.
Kentucky had an impressive performance, very much so on the defensive end, holding Auburn to just 18% from three-point range, and 30% overall on the night. Antonio Reeves led the way with 22 points, Adou Thiero with 14, and Dillingham with 11.
Let’s take a look at what made the huge win unfold.
Defense Shows Drastic Improvement
Known as a poor defensive team, Kentucky has taken the defense to a higher level recently, but Saturday’s performance against Auburn was eye-opening. Kentucky held Auburn to 30% overall, 18% from deep. The defensive effort was on high all night, as Kentucky forced 11 turnovers, 6 of those in the first half. Reed Sheppard was big on the defensive end, having 5 steals to go along with 4 points and 5 rebounds.
Terrific effort defensively on Saturday night for Kentucky.
Antonio Reeves Adds To His All-American Campaign
Reeves has been an under-the-radar player this season, and a lot of All-American buzz surrounding him has grown recently. Reeves had his 20th double-figure game of the season, finishing with 22 points (3-6 3PFG), 5 rebounds, and 1 assist. He shot 40% from the field, and came up big with shots when Kentucky needed.
Reeves is averaging 19.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 1.6 APG on the season, shooting 49.8% overall, 43.7% from three. That makes him one of the top scoring guards in the country, and he keeps adding to that All-American caliber resume.
Kentucky With Balanced Offensive Attack
Aside from Reeves’ 22 points, Adou Thiero added 14 points, with Rob Dillingham pouring in 11. Ugonna Onyenso has had an improved role recently, and he added 7 points. Calipari said after the game that he likes how Thiero and Onyenso played too. “Today, Ugo and Adou were unbeleivable, both of them. Played great.”
Kentucky didn’t shoot the best from three, but shot 44% overall, and got buckets when needed. The Cats got a massive win in the best defensive effort of the entire season so far, and Kentucky had weapons step up on the offensive end. Next up, Kentucky heads to Baton Rouge to take on LSU on Wednesday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. on ESPN.
Check out the box score and highlights of the big road win below.
Box Score
Highlights
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