Highlights, MVP, and Twitter reactions to Kentucky Wildcats overcoming James Madison
Kentucky’s defense let James Madison make it rain, but the Cats pulled away when the game hung in the balance.
In a closely contested game at Rupp Arena, the Kentucky Wildcats edged out the James Madison Dukes with an 89-80 victory on Friday night. While Milan Momcilovic contributed only five points, the Wildcats got double-digit scoring from five different players, improving their record to 2-0 in the regular season. This win demonstrates that while the season is still in its early stages, the Cats are already demonstrating competitiveness.
Kam Williams made his anticipated season debut, receiving a standing ovation for his return from foot surgery. He scored 16 points, including three triples, and grabbed eight rebounds off the bench. Justin McBride also had an emotional impact on the game, scoring 13 points, including three triples, and pulling down eight rebounds in 27 minutes off the bench. The 27-year-old played for James Madison prior to joining Kentucky this offseason.
The Cats were competitive throughout the game, with five players scoring in double figures, including Braydon Hawthorne, Milan Momcilovic, Alex Wilkins, Zoom Diallo, and Justin McBride. The Wildcats led the rebounding battle 23-19, while also managing 14 assists to only eight turnovers. Kentucky held a 39-39 tie at halftime, but they secured the win with an 8-0 run in the second half, fueled by Mason Williams hitting a floater in the paint, followed by back-to-back 3-pointers from Alex Wilkins and Justin McBride.
The Cats finished shooting 50.8% from the floor and 10-28 from 3-point range, outscoring James Madison 79-68 in the second half.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
