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Kentucky Basketball is back, folks.
The Kentucky Wildcats kicked off the inaugural SEC/ACC Challenge as they hosted the Miami Hurricanes in a battle of top-15 teams tonight. In what was a back-and-forth affair to start, the Cats ended up rolling the Hurricanes, 95-73.
The first half was about as exciting as anyone could have hoped. It featured some high-powered offenses alongside some much-improved defense by both sides. As the Cats and Hurricanes traded punches, with runs back and forth, it was the play of Reed Sheppard and Justin Edwards that ultimately propelled Kentucky to a 42-37 lead heading into the half.
In the second half, Kentucky flexed its muscles. Flashing some crazy, consistent offense alongside some much-improved defense, the Cats couldn’t be stopped. Led by Sheppard and Antonio Reeves, John Calipari’s squad but up another 40-point half to start the season.
If you didn’t already believe it, hopefully now you do. This team is good. Really good.
Now, Kentucky’s attention will turn to a matchup with UNC-Wilmington on Saturday night.
Let’s keep it rolling. Go Cats!
Box Score
Highlights
Game MVP
Tonight, this choice was pretty simple. Reed Sheppard.
The star freshman finished the night with 21 points on 8/13 shooting and 5/8 from three. He also added five rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block in 30 minutes of game time. Sheppard also held the highest plus-minus of anyone on the team at +35 for the evening.
It has been trending in this direction for quite a few weeks, but tonight might have put the icing on the cake. Sheppard is legit. Paired alongside Rob Dillingham in the second unit, this Kentucky backcourt is deep and talented.
And once again, Sheppard is the star of the show.
Enjoy him while you can, BBN. He might be in the NBA next season.
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