In a commanding 76-57 victory over the Troy Trojans on Friday night, the Kentucky Wildcats not only advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament but also celebrated a historic individual achievement. Junior guard Otega Oweh delivered an outstanding performance, recording 20 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. This marked the first time in 20 years that a Kentucky player tallied at least 20 points, eight assists, and six rebounds in an NCAA Tournament game, showcasing Oweh’s versatility and leadership on the court.
The Wildcats’ depth was on full display, with significant contributions from the bench. Freshman guard Collin Chandler and sophomore center Brandon Garrison ignited a pivotal 16-0 run in the second half, transforming a narrow six-point lead into a decisive 21-point advantage. Chandler’s sharpshooting accounted for nine points during this stretch, while Garrison added six, underscoring the team’s resilience and depth.
This victory also marked a personal milestone for head coach Mark Pope, who secured his first NCAA Tournament win at the helm of the Wildcats. Reflecting on Chandler’s emergence, Pope expressed pride, stating, “Here he is on the biggest stage he’s ever been on in his entire life in a high-pressure game… and he’s like ‘I’m ready. I’m ready to go get this.'”
Looking ahead, Kentucky is set to face the winner of the Illinois versus Xavier matchup in the Midwest Region’s second round, aiming to continue their pursuit of a ninth national title.
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