In a high-stakes matchup against Duke, Kentucky found standout performances from three players who fought through adversity and showed why having a veteran team matters.
The game was a tale of two halves. In the first half, Duke pressured Kentucky into bad offense while scoring in the paint at will. Kentucky lifted the defensive pressure and chipped away at Duke. Little by little, the Cats slowly took over the game and pulled out an impressive 77-72 win in Catlanta.
3 stars of the night
1. Otega Oweh
Hustle and heart were on full display as Oweh played with relentless energy all night long. He finished with 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block. His hustle stood out, especially during crunch time, as he dove for loose balls, fought for rebounds, and executed pivotal plays that kept Kentucky within striking distance, eventually putting the Cats in the lead with free throws. Oweh may not have been the most heralded of the transfer class, but man, did he come big tonight.
2. Andrew Carr
Andrew Carr delivered in key moments, particularly down the stretch. He led the team with 17 points and showed the poise you’d expect in an older player. Carr had this huge and-1 that energized his teammates and ignited the Kentucky faithful as the crowd roared. Carr’s scoring versatility was huge for the Cats. Carr showed why Pope made him a priority by finishing at the rim and knocking down outside shots (2-for-3 from deep). His ability to draw fouls and convert free throws (5-for-6) is massive for a big man.
3. Amari Williams
Amari Williams put on an impressive display of rebounding and defense, forcing Flagg into the late turnover. He also pulled down eight boards and contributed 10 points. His presence in the paint was crucial in slowing Duke’s attack in the second half, as he came up with two big blocks and altered several others.
Well, that was fun. It feels like forever since Kentucky has pulled off a win in the Champions Classic, and it could not have come at a better time against the Duke Blue Devils.
