By: Peggy Gilligan
UK wins the battle in a 78-70 shootout. The crowd started cheering before the tipoff to welcome back Isaac Humphries a former Wildcat standout who sang the National Anthem. The tip went to Louisville’s Steven Enoch who missed his shot but was fouled by EJ Montgomery, followed by a foul from Ashton Hagans only 37 seconds into the game. The remainder of the first half was a back and forth affair with Kentucky leading for most of the first half. Coach Cal got a coaching box warning with 3:47 remaining and the Cats holding on to a 21-20 lead. With 1:17 left in the first Kentucky led 27-22 and was able to stretch the lead to 8 for a 32-24 halftime score.
The Cats were lead at halftime by Tyrese Maxey with 13 points on 3 for 4 from 3 point range and 2 of 2 from the free throw line as well as 4 rebounds. Hagans was next with 5 points, 5 assists, and 1 rebound. Overall the Wildcats shot 11-23 for 48% from the field and 4-9 from the 3 point line and 6-6 on free throws.
Lots of celebrities were present for the game. At halftime on the scoreboard Joe B. Hall and Denny Crum received a huge ovation. Bill Murray of Saturday Night Live fame sat behind the Louisville bench in support of his son Luke Murray who is an assistant under Chris Mack. Also on hand to cheer on the Cats was former player Derek Anderson who was the “Y” when the cheerleaders spelled out Kentucky during a timeout.
The second half started with Coach Calipari getting a second coaching box warning with about 17 minutes remaining and the Cats stretching the lead to 12 which would be their largest lead of the game. Louisville fought back and at the end of regulation the score was 61-61.
The overtime peroid allowed Nick Richards to showcase his talents from rebounding to making shots and hitting clutch free throws when the Cats needed it most.
The crowd of 20,437 didn’t go home disappointed. Cats win 78-70. The next opponent for the Wildcats will be on Saturday January 4th in Rupp Arena against the Missouri Tigers.
