LEXINGTON – December 12, 2024 – Michael Willis
The Cats were back in action in Rupp Arena tonight, after picking up the big win in Seattle against Gonzaga, to take on the Colgate Raiders. Kentucky was a 32-point favorite over the Raiders who came into the game with a 2-8 record and left Lexington with their 9th loss after Kentucky won 78 to 67.
With Lamont Butler and Kerr Kriisa both out with injuries, Mark Pope had to mix things up at the point guard position. Kolby Brea started for the first time and Jaxson Robinson ran the point for the majority of the game. Travis Perry also entered the game early in the first half and played 9 minutes for the Cats. Trent Noah also played tonight clocking in 11 minutes.
The Wildcats had their way with the Raiders from the beginning of the game. Kentucky scored the first 17 points of the game and Colgate didn’t make their first basket until 13:20 left in the first half. The Raiders didn’t give up though, and went on a 13 to 1 run to pull back within 5 points. Kentucky’s bad shooting kept the Raiders in the game and Kentucky held a slight 38-36 halftime lead.
The only player to make a three pointer in the first half was Koby Brea. Brea made all four of his attempts in the first half while the rest of the team shot 0-11 from behind the arc. The first half could’ve been disastrous if Brea didn’t shoot as well as he did.
The beginning of the second half wasn’t any better for the Cats who let Colgate take a three-point lead early in the second. Back-to-back threes by Robinson and another three by Trent Noah put the Cats back on top for good. The Cats led by as much as 18 points but ended up winning the game 78-67.
As I mentioned before, Koby Brea was the most important player on the floor tonight. He led the team in scoring with 17 points and made 5 of his 8 three-point attempts. He seemed at times the only option Kentucky had on the offensive side of the court.
Andrew Carr finished the game with an 11 points and 10 rebound double-double. Carr also had 3 assists and 0 turnovers.
Tonight’s game may have lost the player’s concentration since it was played after the Gonzaga game and before the Louisville game, but whatever the reason was let’s hope they get back on track by Saturday when the Cardinals come to Lexington.
