John Calipari’s Kentucky Wildcats struggled early but quickly found their first win of the season, 71-59, over the Southern Illinois Salukis on Friday night.
The Wildcats coughed up 14 turnovers in the first half to hold a slight 31-28 halftime lead.
In the second half, however, Quade Green’s emergence ignited the Wildcats’ en route to the win.
Green led the team in multiple offensive runs to either eliminate deficits or extend leads. Despite not starting, he finished the game with 14 points and three assists.
The sophomore guard also ignited the play of Immanuel Quickley, as he finished the game with 15 points.
Keldon Johnson took over late in the second half, finishing with 15 points as well. EJ Montgomery’s energy brought him close to a double-double, scoring 10 points and grabbing seven boards.
Nick Richards had his sophomore year “coming out party,” posting eight points and 19 rebounds with three blocked shots.
While Kentucky’s front court played well despite much of a presence from both PJ Washington & Reid Travis. Travis (14 minutes) & Washington (20 minutes) combined for only nine points with 11 rebounds.
The win may have been far from smooth, but after Tuesday most will take whatever they can get. The Wildcats certainly will, as they prepare for next Wednesday’s home game against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks at 9 P.M. EDT.