Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Photo credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Kentucky basketball team we have been waiting for is finally here. The Wildcats’ six-game losing streak is an old story. John Calipari’s Cats have now won three consecutive games thanks to a complete team effort in Gainesville, which defeated Florida 76-58 in Keion Brooks’ return to court.
Little was expected of the sensational second year in his return to the hardwood. Brooks quickly proved he did not miss a mate from the injury, and he caught a lob in a transition for a dunk during his first game of the game.
Allow me to introduce myself again.
My name is @ KeionB_12.
? @espn – https://t.co/7t5H7g8CUU pic.twitter.com/OKJVo8gcYy
– Kentucky Basketball (@ KentuckyMBB) 9 January 2021
It was not his only thought of the day.
We missed it. Very.
? @espn – https://t.co/7t5H7g8CUU pic.twitter.com/sIgslYXcSJ
– Kentucky Basketball (@ KentuckyMBB) 9 January 2021
In his first game since scoring 10 points in Gainesville last year, Brooks played 24 minutes and finished with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.
Brooks was not the only Wildcat to play at an incredibly high level. Each player contributed to the team victory, especially in defense, and scored 25 points on 15 Gator turnover. The weakening of turnover caused a 10-0 British run at the beginning of the second half. Kentucky defended the game with a 13-0 run, starting from 11 minutes, with a six-point possession that included tries from Davion Mintz and Devin Askew.
Four players scored double figures for the Wildcats, including BJ Boston. The sleeping shooter changed his haircut, brought the bounce to the hardwood and buried his first three-pointer in a game since Dec. 12. He finished the night with 13 points and drew with Mintz.
Kentucky thoroughly and completely dominated Florida for its best win of the season. Kentucky’s basketball is fun again and they are not slowing down anytime soon.