CJ Fredrick had six assists in Thursday night's win. (Vicky Graff Photo)
When the buzzer sounded in Kentucky’s final exhibition game of the season the Cats had posted a 58-point victory over Kentucky State University. The final score 111-53 was a far better offensive performance than the sleeper first exhibition game.
The Cats found their offense with Antonio Reeves leading the way for the Cats with 23 points. Jacob Toppin not only brought the energy but added 21 points, six rebounds and three assists. CJ Fredrick tossed in 14 points and also had five rebounds and six assists. Ugonna Onyenso scored only four points but had 10 rebounds and four ejections for the night.
Cason Wallace was the floor leader contributing 12 points, five rebounds and five assists while distributing the ball and playing lockdown defense.
As a team the Cats shot 50 percent from the field, 46 percent from the 3 and out-rebounded Kentucky State 57-23.
The pieces of the puzzle John Calipari has assembled have not been seen together in preseason. Oscar Tshiebwe, Sahvir Wheeler and Daimion Collins have yet to play all together in the exhibition games. It is safe to say we have only seen a glimpse of what this team could be.
In his postgame Calipari was unsure if Wheeler would return in the first regular season game but was adamant that Tshiebwe would not. He did see the possibility that Oscar could play in the Duquesne game on November 11th.
The Cats will take the floor against Howard on Monday to open the 2022-2023 season.
