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The No. 4 Kentucky Wildcats tipped off their 2022-23 season on Monday night against the Howard Bisons at Rupp Arena. The Bisons are members of the MEAC and accumulated a 16-13 record last season. The Wildcats had three inactive players for the season opener in Oscar Tshiebwe (knee scope), Sahvir Wheeler (knee), and Daimion Collins (personal). Without those three key players other ‘Cats were asked to step up in the game including Wallace, Onyenso, and Ware. Wallace has looked good running the point in the first few exhibition games and continued his success Monday night. Onyenso also made an impact altering numerous shots throughout the night and Ware played his usual scrappy style showcasing hustle plays and toughness throughout the game.
Game Recap:
The season started with a long, slow possession by the ‘Cats that eventually led to a desperation three-pointer by Toppin, who was fouled on the shot (made 2 of 3 free throws). A few possessions later, Ware swatted a Bison layup into the stands. Throughout the first few minutes Ware continued to show his effort with hustle plays. Some sloppy offensive possessions left the score at 6-5 ‘Cats at the first media timeout. Onyenso came into the game and made an immediate impact, impacting three consecutive Bison shots (2 blocks). Thiero also came off the bench to showcase his hustle and drew a charge to give the ’Cats even more momentum. Reeves makes the first three-point shot for the ‘Cats just after the under 12 timeout, extending the lead to 16-7. The ‘Cats had started the game 1-6 from three-point range. Another mini run featuring a Frederick three-point make and a couple Toppin free throws gave Kentucky a 23-14 lead at the under 8 media timeout. Livingston made noticeably athletic and strong rebounding efforts in the first half, showcasing what his size and strength can bring to the team. Another Onyenso first half block leads to a transition three-pointer by Reeves and the ‘Cats finished the half with 13-5 run to bring the score to 49-26 ‘Cats.
The second half started with an easy driving layup by Howard thanks to a defensive breakdown by the ‘Cats. After a quick miss by Toppin on the offensive end, Coach Calipari calls a timeout just 33 seconds into the half. After the timeout the ‘Cats went on a 9-0 run capped by a powerful Livingston transition dunk that gave Kentucky a 60-30 lead heading into the first media timeout. Similarly to the first couple exhibition games, Reeves looked comfortable with the ball in his hands and running the offense with Wallace on the bench for rest. With the offense hitting its stride midway through the second half, a transition alley-oop to Ware initiated by a hustle play by Thiero to get a loose ball kept Kentucky’s 30-point lead with a score of 70-40 with 11 minutes to play. Reeves continued his shot making in the second half, nailing a couple more threes. The ‘Cats finished strong and came out with a 95-63 win.
Kentucky’s defense held Howard to just 34% shooting from the field (28% from three-point range). Kentucky finished shooting 55% from the field (46% from three-point range with 11 made threes). Kentucky’s Assist-to-Turnover ration was 20:11 in the game. The ‘Cats also outrebounded the Bison 42-37 while missing the nation’s best returning rebounder in Tshiebwe. A key stat that the ‘Cats will look to improve upon is their free throw shooting, as they finished the game shooting 57% from the line (16-28 FTM/FTA). The leading scorer in the game was Reeves with 22 points coming off the bench (6 three-pointers). Reeves was followed in scoring by Frederick with 20 points then Toppin and Wallace with 15 points apiece. The leading rebounder in the game was Toppin with 11 rebounds. Freshman Cason Wallace was on Triple Double watch throughout the latter parts of the game as he finished his first collegiate game with 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists. The ‘Cats plus/minus leader in the game was Frederick with a +36. Onyenso and Ware split time at Center (20 minutes each) and each made an impact during their time on the court. Onyenso altered shots and finished with 4 blocks while Ware was active in passing lanes and finished with 4 steals in the game. While its unlikely Reeves comes off the bench every game, his ability to have success coming off the bench to lead the ‘Cats in scoring shows his versatility and ability to come in cold to spark the team and offense. Reeves and Fredericks ability to make open and contested jump shots are keys to this team’s offensive ceiling. Toppin was also active throughout the game, finishing with a double-double (15 points, 11 rebounds) and his veteran presence on the floor helped lead the ‘Cats in the game.
The ‘Cats started off the season on a high note and will look to build upon their opening night performance on Friday November 11 at 7:00 p.m. at Rupp Arena when they take on the Duquesne Dukes.
