Kentucky fans filled Rupp Arena tonight to watch their Wildcats play their first exhibition game against Georgetown College. It was the first time the fans got to see their team play outside competition since the Canada games back in July. The Wildcats didn’t exactly dominate the game, but ended up winning comfortably 92 to 69.
At the first media timeout Kentucky only lead Georgetown by two. The Tigers gained three blocks in the first 5 minutes which helped keep them in the game. Two quick turnovers by Kentucky allowed the Tigers to take the lead 10 to 8 immediately following the media timeout. The Cats pushed back in the lead after an 8 to 2 run with 7:44 left in the half. However, Georgetown did not go away and ended the half on a 7-0 run of their own to only be down one point 35 to 34 at the intermission.
The teams’ halftime stats were very evenly matched between the two teams. Georgetown led in second chance points 9 to 4, while the Cats lead in bench scoring 16 to 2. Antonio Reeves led the Wildcats in scoring with 8 and Tre Mitchell led in rebounding with 5.
The Cats started the second half with purpose. They scored the first 8 points of the half and looked much more focused for the rest of the game. Adou Thiero scored 5 points and had an assist in the first 57 seconds of the second half. This spring boarded the Wildcats into the lead and they never looked back from there.
Tre Mitchell led Kentucky in scoring with 22 points making 9 of his 12 field goals and 4 of his 5 three-point attempts. Mitchell also led the team in rebounds with 9 and made 3 blocks.
Rob Dillingham continued to impress UK fans, scoring 16 points and passing for 5 assists. Adou Thiero had the highest +/-with 26. He ended the game with 10 points and 5 steals.
Despite the slow start, the Wildcats settled down in the second half and beat a veteran team that will be highly competitive in their league. The exhibition games are played to get the nervousness of the first game out of the way before the wins and losses start to count. Even without an inside presence the Cats still won convincingly and will have one more exhibition game left before the season starts. The Wildcats return to Rupp Arena on Thursday Nov. 1 at 7pm to take on Kentucky State.
