Stanford vs Kentucky, Cancun Challenge Championship, 25 November 2009

The Stanford Cardinal were able to keep the Kentucky Wildcats in check during the first half by slowing the game down.  The Wildcats did take an early lead, but Stanford was able to take and make good shots.  Stanford was able to get Patrick Patterson, Darius Miller, and Eric Bledsoe in early foul trouble (2 fouls each) to capitalize on a first half lead.  Stanford was leading at half-time by a score of 38-32.

Stanford was able to come out in the second half and maintain a slow-paced game.  Kentucky was able to cut into the six point lead and get it back even.  The lead would switch between Kentucky and Stanford late in the second half and it came down to the final seconds.  Stanford was up by 2 points after missing 2 free throws with only 9 seconds left.  Patrick Patterson rebounded the miss and immediately gave it to John Wall.  John Wall took it the length of the court, put up the shot, NO GOOD, but Wall was fouled with only 2 seconds left.  John Wall was calm and swished both free throws to tie the game at 63 apiece.  Stanford heaved the ball the length of the court with 2 seconds left, but Kentucky was able to come up with it to send the game into overtime.

Neither team could get bigger than a 1 point lead in overtime until there was only 40 seconds.  Kentucky was up by 1 with only 40 seconds left and Eric Bledsoe (UK) buried a three pointer to seal the game in favor of the Kentucky Wildcats.  The final score of the basketball game was 73-65 in favor of Kentucky in overtime.

Top Performers for Kentucky were:
John Wall - 26 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks (5 turnovers)
DeMarcus Cousins - 13 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks
Patrick Patterson - 12 points, 11 rebounds
Darius Miller - 10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
Ramon Harris - 7 points, 7 rebounds
Eric Bledsoe - 5 points, 3 assists

This was a hard fought game by the Kentucky Wildcats.  The pace was slow and played into Stanford’s favor.  The Wildcats was able to be patient and get the job done in the end.  Another great win by the Kentucky Wildcats in an unexciting game.  Kentucky now has 6 wins with no losses.  UK’s next game is on Monday, 30 November 2009, at 7:00 p.m. (EST) against N.C. Asheville in Rupp Arena.

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