By: Brock Gilligan
Kentucky looking for revenge from the last time these two teams squared off in this showcase at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. That game in 2015 was won by the Buckeyes 74-67. The Cats are also looking to avenge their loss on Wednesday to Utah in their first game of this Vegas trip. Both teams come in ranked in the top 10, but without a win the Cats would likely drop outside of it. Ohio State will look to continue their hot shooting of 49% from the field and 41.6% from three. Kentucky has been struggling mightily in the scoring department, particularly from three only mustering 27.5%, the lowest in recent history from a Kentucky team.
This game was projected to be a physical one and it got off to a hot start. Nine fouls were called before the game go to its first TV timeout and had a total of 20 in the entire half. Both teams went back and forth on scoring runs with no one getting on a run larger than six before a response by the opponent. Headed into the break the Buckeyes held a one point lead at 37-36.
Second half opened as more of the same back and forth battling and physicality that we saw in the first. Kentucky picked up their 3pt-Shooting hitting seven as a team but it was not enough. Behind attempting 10 more free throws in the game and shooting 50% from the field they take the victory 71-65. The Buckeyes were led by DJ Carton who finished with 13 points and five rebounds in the game. The Cats were led Nate Sestina with 17 points, five three pointers, and four rebounds off the bench.
Kentucky will return to action next Saturday to face the #3 Louisville Cardinals in Rupp Arena at 3:45. For more coverage on local and collegiate athletics stick with us @LimestoneSports on Twitter.