Kentucky’s Jacob Toppin (zero) drives over Louisville’s protection through the first half of an NCAA faculty basketball recreation in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022. (AP Picture/James Crisp)
By GARY B. GRAVES AP Sports activities Author
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Oscar Tshiebwe had 24 factors and 14 rebounds, Jacob Toppin added a career-high 24 factors and Kentucky’s No. 19 managed to dominate rival Louisville 86-63 on Saturday, a season-best 60 p.c.
The battle for Bluegrass bragging rights resumed after a one-year hiatus with the Wildcats (9-Four) leaping out shortly and surviving a number of rallies by the Cardinals (2-12). Kentucky badly wanted a comeback recreation after dropping two of three, together with Wednesday’s Southeastern Convention opener at Missouri, and responded by making 9 of its first 12 makes an attempt and ending 33 of 55 from the ground.
Toppin, who went scoreless in 12 1/2 minutes off the Missouri bench, began and went 10 of 15 with seven rebounds. The senior ahead had 15 factors by halftime and surpassed his earlier mark of 20 halfway by way of the second half.
Tshiebwe had his seventh double-double of the season by halftime and was one rebound shy of his fourth 20/15 effort of the season. Final 12 months’s consensus nationwide participant of the 12 months was 10-of-13 capturing to make up for lacking 5-of-9 free throws.
El Ellis had 23 factors for Louisville, which dropped its third straight and failed to offer first-year coach Kenny Payne a win towards the crew he labored for for 10 years as an assistant beneath John Calipari.
But it surely was nonetheless a homecoming. Payne and Calipari hugged and smiled at midcourt earlier than the participant introductions. Extra hugs adopted as Payne walked down the Wildcats bench to greet different assistants and gamers and was cheered by the anticipated blue-clad crowd at Rupp Area.
THE WHOLE PICTURE
Louisville: The Cardinals shot 47 p.c and seemed intent on making a play early within the second half. However they could not decelerate Toppin or Tshiebwe and issues obtained away shortly within the final 10 minutes. They dedicated 15 turnovers that led to 19 Kentucky factors and had been outrebounded 33-20.
Kentucky: With nowhere to go however up after Missouri overwhelmed them, the Wildcats began quick and scorching from the sector and stayed on the fuel. Toppin’s efficiency was lengthy overdue and complemented Tshiebwe nicely. Free throws stay a priority as they made 16 of 25.
IT FOLLOWS
Kentucky: Hosts LSU Tuesday night time to renew SEC play
Louisville: Hosts Syracuse Tuesday night time in ACC play
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