The Kentucky Wildcats secured a commanding 76-57 victory over the Troy Trojans in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday night. Despite a shaky start filled with turnovers and early tournament jitters, the Wildcats found their rhythm, turning a narrow two-point lead into a 35-27 advantage by halftime.
After the break, Kentucky initially struggled but soon erupted offensively, stretching their lead to 20 points and putting the game out of reach. Collin Chandler played a crucial role in this second-half surge, showcasing his rapid development and offensive skillset.
With this win, Kentucky advances to the second round, where they will face the winner of Illinois vs. Xavier on Sunday. The victory also marks head coach Mark Pope’s first NCAA Tournament win.
Key Takeaways from Kentucky’s Dominant Win
Otega Oweh Leads the Way
Otega Oweh continued his season-long dominance, proving once again why he is Kentucky’s most reliable player. Against Troy’s smaller lineup, Oweh’s combination of size and strength made him nearly unstoppable. He excelled in every aspect—scoring efficiently, rebounding aggressively, facilitating well, and playing high-level defense. With postseason inexperience across much of the roster, including the coaching staff, Oweh’s consistency provided stability.
Williams and Carr Take Over
Amari Williams and Andrew Carr took full advantage of Troy’s lack of size. Williams dominated in the paint, bullying defenders and controlling the boards while showcasing his excellent passing. Meanwhile, Carr blended his inside presence with perimeter shooting, exposing defensive mismatches. Williams has been Kentucky’s rock throughout the season, while Carr, after battling injuries, has re-emerged as a critical X-factor for the Wildcats.
Defense Shows Improvement
Defense has been Kentucky’s biggest concern all season, aside from injuries. However, against Troy, the Wildcats put together one of their best defensive performances. While the Trojans are not an elite offensive team, Kentucky’s defensive trio of Lamont Butler, Oweh, and Williams made a significant impact. Butler’s presence, in particular, elevated the entire unit, helping to mask some of the team’s defensive weaknesses. If Butler stays healthy, Kentucky’s defense could hold up well in a deep tournament run.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Kentucky moves one step closer to its championship aspirations. While defensive consistency remains a concern, this performance was a step in the right direction. The Wildcats will now prepare for their next challenge in the second round, aiming to build on this strong showing.
For now, the message is simple—just keep winning. Go Cats!