Kentucky Wildcats Dominate New Mexico State Aggies with Impressive Second Half Performance
The Kentucky Wildcats kicked off their 2023-24 season with a dominant victory over the New Mexico State Aggies. Despite a slow start, the Wildcats showcased their resilience and basketball prowess in an impressive second-half performance.
In the first half, Kentucky struggled with their shooting accuracy, only managing to convert 38.7% of their field goal attempts and 30.8% from beyond the arc. Additionally, they were outrebounded by the Aggies. However, the Wildcats managed to secure a 37-29 lead at halftime, thanks to the late efforts of freshman Reed Sheppard, who scored six points in the final three minutes of the half.
But it was in the second half that Kentucky truly shone. They started the half with a 22-6 run, extending their lead to 59-35 midway through. The Wildcats continued to dominate throughout the half, outscoring the Aggies 49-17. Their exceptional second-half performance saw them shoot an impressive 58.8% from the field and finish the game on a 17-0 run. Kentucky’s ability to maintain a strong defensive presence and share the ball contributed to their victory.
Leading the scoring for Kentucky was Rob Dillingham, who came off the bench and contributed 17 points. Dillingham’s ability to create space for himself and his teammates drew praise from head coach John Calipari. Several other players also scored in double digits, including D.J. Wagner (13), Reed Sheppard (12), Justin Edwards (12), and Antonio Reeves (11).
The Wildcats displayed overall shooting percentages of 49.2% from the field, 31.0% from three-point range, and 68.4% from the free-throw line. They also capitalized on fastbreak opportunities, scoring 25 points in transition.
Defensively, Kentucky did an impressive job despite missing some of their taller players. They outrebounded the Aggies 43-33, showcasing their determination and teamwork. Although they only blocked three shots, they effectively slowed down the Aggies’ offense, limiting them to a shooting percentage of just 32.1% from the field and 21.7% from three-point range. The Wildcats also forced turnovers, with 13 steals contributing to the Aggies’ 18 turnovers.
New Mexico State head coach Jason Hooten acknowledged the Wildcats’ defensive prowess, commending their shot contests and ball pressure throughout the game.
The victory did not come without a mild injury scare, as Adou Thiero, who started at power forward for Kentucky, left the game in the second half due to a headache. Coach Calipari mentioned that Thiero’s status would be assessed on a day-to-day basis.
Looking ahead, the Wildcats will face off against Texas A&M-Commerce in their next game at Rupp Arena. The team’s impressive performance against the New Mexico State Aggies will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they continue their season.
In summary, the Kentucky Wildcats showcased their dominance in a resounding victory over the New Mexico State Aggies, fueled by an exceptional second-half performance. Their offensive firepower, defensive tenacity, and ability to control the pace of the game were key factors in their triumph. With their eyes set on future matchups, the Wildcats aim to build on this strong start to the season.
