Brandon Garrison Helped Make Sure UK Got Win In His Homecoming

Brandon Garrison had the game-winning block against Oklahoma Wednesday. (UK Athletics Photo)

By LARRY VAUGHT

Otega Oweh was the obvious star of the game for Kentucky in the 83-82 win at Oklahoma Wednesday night, but UK would not have won without Brandon Garrison.

The 6-11 sophomore center went 5-for-8 from the field and had 12 points, four rebounds, career-high three steals and three blocks in a career-high 27 minutes. He hit two 3-pointers.

While it was a true homecoming for Oweh who played two years at Oklahoma, don’t forget that Garrison played at Oklahoma State last season. He had almost 40 friends and family members at the game.

“It’s just always good to come back home and play in front of your crowd,” Garrison, who brought his 1-year-old son to the postgame press conference, said. “I got a lot of family out there. So many of them came out, so it was just good. I’m just glad I got the dub back home.”

Even coach Mark Pope enjoyed Garrison having his son with him.

“Akarii will take any questions that you have,” Pope joked to media members.

Garrison’s second-half defense was a huge part of the game as he showed the ability to guard different positions and displayed more versatility than he has in previous games. He also ran the court exceptionally well.

On his postgame radio show, Pope said Garrison was “elite” defensively with his ability to guard multiple players, including guards.

“He was getting switched on (point guard Jeremy) Fears. He might’ve guarded Fears better than anybody else,” Pope said. “He has a high ceiling, so it’s been fun so far this year to watch him grow, and he’s still got so much more growth in him.”

His biggest issue came after he blocked the potential game-winning shot and as the clock ran out, found Fears — who took the shot — and got in his face. Williams grabbed Garrison to pull him away and then Oklahoma forward Jalon Moore made a move toward Garrison. Later Garrison exchanged words with the Oklahoma student section

“My emotions got a little hot when I got the block and realized we got the win,” he said. “I forgot what I said, but yeah, I’m just glad I got the block.”

Officials reviewed what Garrison did but did not take any other action after the monitor review, after the game had ended.

“Things got a little chippy at the end. But, you know, it’s just basketball, nothing more, nothing less. It’s just part of it,” Garrison said. “My emotions got a little high when I got the block and realized we got the win.”