Kentucky Defeats Kentucky State in Blowout 99-53

Lexington, Ky – November 2, 2023

Kentucky hosted Kentucky State tonight in the last of their exhibition game before the 2023-24 season begins. Even though the last two exhibition games haven’t counted towards the overall records, it gives the coaches and players to see the areas the team accel at and the areas that need improvement. After the 99 to 53 victory, I am not sure that Calipari can find much that needs improvement.

The Cats played much better at the start of the game than in the previous matchup against Georgetown College. The Wildcats, made 6 of their first 8 shots and Justin Edwards scored 10 of Kentucky’s first 12. With 12:34 left in the first half the Wildcats jumped out to a 23 to 9 lead and looked much more comfortable on the court.

Kentucky continued to show their dominance throughout the first half and held a 50 to 20 lead at the half. D.J. Wagner led the Cats with 12 points at the half, followed closely by Justin Edwards with 10 points. The most important stat was that Kentucky had zero turnovers in the first half.

The Wildcats started the second half with a 20 to 6 scoring run, which included 5 three pointers and three of them where by Tre Mitchell. Kentucky’s first turnover of the game didn’t come until the 11-minute mark in the second half and the Cats ended the game with only 6 turnovers.

Five different Kentucky players scored in double figures led by Antonio Reeves with 20. Reeves made 4 of his 6 three-pointers and all 6 of his free-throws. It was another great showing for Tre Mitchell who scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. D.J. Wagner led in assists with 7, followed by Rob Dillingham with 6. Tonight’s game was the last exhibition game of the season. The Wildcats face the New Mexico State Aggies Monday, Nov. 6^th at 8:00 pm.