Photo by Jeff Houchin
Aside from the final result, Saturday’s game between the Kentucky Wildcats and Seton Hall Pirates was far from disappointing. Kentucky led 31-25 at halftime, in what was a display of inefficient offense by both teams. In the second half, both teams gained momentum in scoring the basketball down the stretch.
As both sides traded blows, Seton Hall’s Myles Powell sank a deep three-point shot with barely more than a second remaining in regulation. However, when all hope seemed lost, Kentucky’s Keldon Johnson buried a half-court heave to force overtime.
The theme remained consistent, as both teams continued to go back and forth into the final seconds. This time, it was Miles Cale who hit a go-ahead three point shot for the Pirates. With two timeouts and nine seconds left, the Wildcats elected to play a disastrous form of “street ball” en route to a 84-83 finish and their second loss of the season.
PJ Washington led all scorers, posting a career-high 29 points and 13 rebounds. Other Wildcats in double figures were Keldon Johnson (10), Reid Travis (13) and Tyler Herro (10).
While a blatant flagrant foul (committed by Seton Hall) was missed against Washington hurt Kentucky’s chances to win in regulation, they were far from robbed. The Wildcats were out-shot from both the field and behind the arc, while receiving more free throw attempts and even out-rebounded the Pirates by four.
Kentucky also gave up 14 points in the five minute overtime period, which was more than the 10.5 points per five minutes they allowed in regulation.
Now sitting at 7-2 on the season, Kentucky’s resume consists of a blowout loss to Duke, a narrow loss to Seton Hall and a handful of wins over less-talented schools. However, Kentucky’s next three games are slated against Utah, against North Carolina (neutral) and at Louisville.
If there was ever a time to turn the tables, it will be over the course of the next three weeks. Saturday’s tip-off with the Utah Utes is set for 5 P.M. EDT.
