CatsIllustrated – QUICK TAKES: Kentucky 72, Florida 67

DAVID SISK:

We anticipated Kentucky to win by single digits in a really aggressive recreation, however this one was nonetheless bizarre. Oscar Tshiebwe went 2-14 and fouled out with 4 factors. Antonio Reeves additionally had 4 factors on solely 5 makes an attempt. Kentucky nonetheless scored 72 and gained by 5. Cason Wallace, Jacob Toppin, and C.J. Frederick had been all excellent, and performed to their strengths. Wallace had 20 factors, and he was a weapon towards drop protection. His mid-range recreation appears computerized. Toppin had 17 and is now seeking to get to the rim and use his measurement and size to complete virtually each time. Frederick had has finger splint off for the primary time, and made a trio of three’s for 12 factors. UK additionally pushed the ball off Florida turnovers and gained the transition matchup 14-0. Sahvir Wheeler deserves credit score for pushing the tempo as effectively. Florida made a late run to take among the shine off the win, however I nonetheless suppose Kentucky did some excellent issues tonight.

JUSTIN ROWLAND:

General a stable, gritty win for Kentucky. This was a win you needed to predict since you knew they might play onerous. They wanted it. However it felt like Kentucky was solidly in management all through. Castleton undoubtedly gained the matchup with Oscar however Cason Wallace and Jacob Toppin offered good offense, Wheeler gave them some stable minutes, and Fredrick knocked down a couple of exterior pictures. Florida was actually chilly within the first half and that was the benefit which lasted for a lot of the recreation. It received a bit dicey there on the finish however Florida wasn’t ever going to go away.

JEFF DRUMMOND:

Stacking Ws. That is the important thing for Kentucky from right here on out, and as soon as once more, the Cats took care of enterprise towards a top quality opponent within the Florida Gators. It was good to see UK be capable of win a tightly contested recreation with out a lot of an offensive contribution from both Oscar Tshiebwe (4 factors) or Antonio Reeves (4 factors) on a mixed 4-for-19 taking pictures night time. That exhibits a whole lot of progress on this staff. Cason Wallace (20), Jacob Toppin (17), and CJ Fredrick (12) had been incredible on the offensive finish of the ground towards one of many nation’s prime defensive golf equipment. Toppin additionally chipped in with one other double-figure rebound recreation, and Daimion Collins gave some good minutes off the bench. Incredible staff win.