Rider at Kentucky, Cancun Challenge

The Kentucky Wildcats (3-0) had no problem on Saturday after coming off a short rest, having played a game on Thursday night against Sam Houston St.  The Cats came on the court to play today and it showed.  Their defense looked much better against the three, but Rider (2-1) couldn’t hit a 3-pointer in the first half even when they were wide open.  Rider finished the half going 0 for 9 from behind the 3-point line.  Patrick Patterson had a monster half to include 12 points, 13 rebounds, and 1 assist.  DeMarcus Cousins got into foul trouble in the first few minutes of the basketball game, but Daniel Orton was excellent off the bench.  Daniel Orton finished the first half with 10 points and 3 rebounds.  John Wall was able to get to the rim at will, scoring 12 points in the first half to go with 7 assists and 3 steals.  Eric Bledsoe continued to stroke it from behind the 3-point line, going 3 for 5 in the first half for 9 points.  The Kentucky Wildcats led at the half by a score of 51 to 26.

UK was able to come out in the second half and maintain their big lead.  John Wall continued to do just about anything he wanted with the basketball.  DeMarcus Cousins was finally able to get back in the game and score some points.  Patrick Patterson continued his beast of a game on the boards.  Overall, great effort to maintain a huge lead, the Wildcats’ biggest of the season.  The final score of the game was 92-63 in favor of the Kentucky Wildcats.

Top Performers for Kentucky were:
John Wall - 21 points, 11 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 blocks (only 2 turnovers)
Patrick Patterson - 19 points, 18 rebounds, 1 block
DeMarcus Cousins - 18 points, 6 rebounds, 5 blocks
Daniel Orton - 14 points, 6 rebounds
Eric Bledsoe - 11 points, 2 steals (5 turnovers)

All in all, an outstanding effort by the Kentucky Wildcats.  Their turnovers were down, only 14 for the game.  They shot better from the free throw line, going 20 of 27 for 74%.  Kentucky’s 3-point defense was much better as Rider only shot 23.5% from behind the 3-point line, going 4 for 17.  This was the kind of game needed for the Cats to build some confidence and hopefully gather a little more experience.  GO BIG BLUE!!

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