Vicky Graff Photo
No. 15 Kentucky basketball faced No. 5 Tennessee in Lexington on Tuesday night for their second matchup of the season.
Despite UK guard Jaxson Robinson sidelined with a wrist injury, the Wildcats handled business in their 75-64 win over the Volunteers.
Missing Robinson brought on several points of concern, starting with having to play without his offense.
Going into Tuesday night’s game, he was Kentucky’s second-leading scorer at more than 13 points per game.
And it’s not just that he scores in double figures but it’s how he scores.
Robinson has averaged more than 15 points per game in January and more than two three-pointers made per game during that same span.
He’s become a go-to shot-maker for the Wildcats and his absence meant someone would have to step up in his place.
Thankfully, Kentucky had a collective effort from their entire team that provided enough offense to squeeze out the win.
Ansley Almonor and Otega Oweh led the way with 13 points each on a combined 8-16 shooting from the floor. Koby Brea and freshman Trent Noah (career-high) each had 11, making a total of six three-pointers.
Freshman Travis Perry also had a career-best game with eight points and played key minutes following Lamont Butler re-injuring his shoulder when diving for a loose ball in the second half.
Everyone on the team helped contribute at one end or the other and that collective effort granted Kentucky a sweep over Tennessee on the season as they also upset the Volunteers in Knoxville a couple of weeks ago.
The two victories are a better part of Kentucky’s resume this season and prove that no matter the night, Pope’s Wildcats can hang with any team in the country.
One thing to keep an eye on is Butler’s shoulder injury. If both he and Robinson have to miss any time moving forward, the Wildcats will have their work cut out for them.
Kentucky travels to Austin on Saturday for a road matchup with Texas.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8 PM ET with coverage on ESPN.
5 Responses
The two Kentucky native boys have developed lots of confidence as the season has progressed. Coach Pope knows how important it is and gave them playing time even before Robinson’s and Butler’s injuries.
This team is so much fun and capable of beating any team on a good night. GO CATS!
Great team victory. Good to see the Kentucky boys make the most of their opportunity.
Y’all are on target to point out the play of the only 2 KY natives on this team.
Perry & Noah each hit 3 of 4 shots & combined for 19 points (of 75) in 31 minutes (of 200) for an impressive…
25.3% of the points in 15.5% of the available minutes.
The 8 National Champions have all had at least one native Kentuckian who played significant minutes on the team. UK has zero Titles when a team has zero KY born players, regardless how many were elite level talent.
I sincerely believe if these 2 impressive players get 15 to 20 min each the rewards of the way, then UK has a real shot at #9z.
Gutsy win! This was Perry’s best game and Noah had a great game! Brea had a good game as did Almonor. We won this game with very little from Williams and Carr. Robinson and Butler are big losses, but if we can get Carr going again and keep Williams out of foul trouble, we can still make a run. Butler could possibly be back for the Bama game. Go CATS!!!
What a roller coaster of highs and lows ! SEC is crazy good. Should have at least 9 in the dance.