Takeaways: A breakout game from Aaron Bradshaw leads the Cats past the Penn Quakers 81-66

What can we take away from Kentucky's 81-66 win over Penn?

Author:
Andrew Stefaniak
Publish date:
Dec 9, 2023 2:41 PM EST

In this story:

Kentucky just got a big win over the Penn Quakers, which has the team feeling good as they get ready to take on North Carolina next Saturday.

Penn made some threes, and this game was close for a while, but John Calipari's team was able to pull away late for the 15-point victory.

What can we take away from Kentucky's win over the Penn Quakers?

Aaron Bradshaw had a big game

Dec 9, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Aaron Bradshaw (2) defends Penn Quakers guard Clark Slajchert (0) in the first half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports — © Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Bradshaw made his season debut for the Cats in the last game but only played 13 minutes. In this game, Bradshaw was fully unleashed, playing 29 minutes. He tied Rob Dillingham for the team lead in points with 17. Bradshaw also had 11 rebounds, giving him his first double-double of the season. The freshman seven-footer had three blocks and a steal in this game, showing why Big Blue Nation was so excited to get him back. Bradshaw is going to have a big season for the Kentucky Wildcats.

Kentucky continues to shoot the ball well from deep

Nov 28, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Antonio Reeves (12) shoots the ball during the second half against the Miami (Fl) Hurricanes at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports — © Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky was 8-20 from deep in this game, shooting 40% from three. Dillingham led the Cats with three makes from deep, but a total of five Cats made a three, including the big man Bradshaw. If this Kentucky team continues to shoot the ball well from beyond the arc, they will not lose a lot of basketball games. It's fun to watch a John Calipari team that can light it up from deep. When this team is hot from three-point land, watch out.

Kentucky dominated the offensive boards

Oct 27, 2023; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Tre Mitchell (4) runs down the court during the first half against the Georgetown Tigers at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports — © Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky had 13 offensive rebounds, which turned into 16 second-chance points. The Penn Quakers only had five offensive rebounds and six second-chance points. Second chance points lead to open threes, which is why collecting them is so important for the Cats. The more offensive rebounds this Kentucky team gets, the more John Calipari's squad will get and make open shots. If Kentucky does this against North Carolina, they will take down the ranked Tarheels.