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Takeaways: A second-half explosion leads Kentucky past New Mexico State

What can we take away from Kentucky's 86-46 win over New Mexico State?

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Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky Wildcats
New Mexico State Aggies
New Mexico State Aggies

Kentucky opened its season against the New Mexico State Aggies and ran away in the second half. 

The Cats had five players score in double figures, including all of the highly ranked freshmen. 

One thing we know now from watching the Cats lace them up is that this team is going to be a lot of fun to watch. 

What can we take away from Kentucky's 86-46 win over New Mexico State? 

Kentucky had a big second half

Nov 6, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Tre Mitchell (4) handles the ball during the first half against the New Mexico State Aggies at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Like we saw in the exhibition against Georgetown College, the Cats didn't have a hot offensive start but then heated up in the second half. The Cats shot 58.8% from the field in the second half compared to 38.7% in the first half. The Cats scored 37 points in the first half and 49 in the second half. We love teams that are able to close a game strong, and what we have seen from this Kentucky team, they will do that this season. Second-half teams win a lot of basketball games.  

The freshman went off

Oct 27, 2023; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Reed Sheppard (15) walks off the court after the game against the Georgetown Tigers at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky hasn't had a team filled with freshman talent over the past few seasons, but the old John Calipari team is back. The Cats had four freshmen in double figures, including Justin Edwards (12), DJ Wagner (13), Rob Dillingham (17), and Reed Sheppard (12). The freshmen also rebounded and passed the ball well. All four of these guys will play a massive role for the Cats this season. If the freshmen play like this all season and take the pressure off the veterans, this team is going to have a really good season. 

The Cats are limiting turnovers

Nov 6, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari calls a timeout during the first half against the New Mexico State Aggies at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky didn't turn the ball over much against Kentucky State, and they kept that trend going against New Mexico State. The Cats turned the ball over only six times against the Aggies, which Coach Cal will love to see when he sees the box score. If Kentucky continues to limit the turnovers, especially with all these freshmen, watch out because this could be one of the best teams in college hoops. 

What's next? 

Kentucky's next game will come against Texas A&M-Commerce on Friday, November 10th at 7 pm et. The Cats will look to improve to 2-0 before they face off with Kansas in Chicago. 

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