Takeaways: A massive game from Tre Mitchell led the Kentucky Wildcats past Missouri 90-77

What can we take away from Kentucky's 90-77 win over the Missouri Tigers?

Author:
Andrew Stefaniak
Updated:
Jan 9, 2024 10:34 PM EST
Original:
Jan 9, 2024

In this story:

Kentucky hosted the Missouri Tigers in what was the Cat's first SEC game in Rupp Arena and took home the win 90-77.

The offense exploded once again for the Kentucky Wildcats, but the defense needs to improve for this team to win the SEC.

With the win over Missouri, Kentucky is now 2-0 in SEC play, with a tough test coming up against Texas A&M on Saturday.

What can we take away from Kentucky's 90-77 win over the Missouri Tigers in Rupp Arena?

Tre Mitchell went off

Jan 9, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Tre Mitchell (4) shoots the ball during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports — © Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Tre Mitchell had another massive game for the Kentucky Wildcats, scoring 20 points and bringing in 14 rebounds. He had the team's best +/- with a +13 against Missouri. With Adou Thiero still not playing due to his back injury, Mitchell has been playing a ton of minutes and has looked great. You could argue that Mitchell has been one of the best players in all of the SEC during conference play so far. It's very clear this team will go as far as Mitchell takes them.

Rob Dillingham bounced back

Jan 9, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Rob Dillingham (0) celebrates a three point basket during the first half against the Missouri Tigers at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports — © Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Rob Dillingham didn't have his best game against the Florida Gators to open SEC play, but he bounced back in a huge way against the Missouri Tigers. Dillingham scored 23 points while going 6-7 from the field, 3-3 from deep, and 8-10 from the charity stripe. The freshman guard also had two rebounds and four assists. Dillingham continues to show off his ability to create his own shot, and they were falling against Missouri.

DJ Wagner is playing great basketball at the right time

Nov 24, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard D.J. Wagner (21) passes the ball during the second half against the Marshall Thundering Herd at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports — © Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

DJ Wagner had himself another big game, scoring 16 points on 5-8 shooting to go with three assists and a rebound. If Wagner continues to be efficient from the field and score at the rim, he will be an SEC All-Freshman selection. Wagner didn't start the season like many imagined, but he is heating up at the right time as the Cats look to go on a run in SEC play.

The defense has to be better

Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari reacts from the sideline. The Florida men s basketball team hosted the Kentucky Wildcats at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O Connell Center in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, January 6, 2024 during the first half. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner] — © Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner / USA TODAY NETWORK

The defense wasn't very good in the first half, as the Missouri Tigers had a ton of open looks, and they were falling. In the second half, the Tigers still had some open looks, but the shots weren't going down. When the Cats play a better offensive team, if the defense is giving them a ton of open looks, the Cats could lose. For Kentucky to have a truly special season, the defense needs to be better by the start of the NCAA Tournament.