Two stock risers from Kentucky's win over Georgia
The Kentucky Wildcats exploded for 105 points in the nine-point win over the Georgia Bulldogs.
The Wildcats shot 61.9% from the field, and 56% from three, leading to the 105-points put up on the scoreboard in Rupp Arena. Kentucky led by 28 late in the game, but the Georgia Bulldogs were able to scratch back, making the final score more narrow than it should have been. The defense still needs work, but a win is a win, and the Kentucky Wildcats moved to 4-1 in SEC play with the win over the Bulldogs.
The news that had the entire state buzzing was the NCAA's clearance of the Croatian seven-footer Zvonimir Ivisic. He made his Kentucky debut in this game, scoring 13 points to go with five rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and two steals. Ivisic looked solid rebounding the basketball, which was a question mark we had about the big man. Big Z is going to be a dominant force in college basketball. Another player who played well in this win was Tre Mitchell. He led Kentucky with 23 points while also grabbing five rebounds, dishing four assists, and blocking a shot. With Ivisic officially on the floor with Mitchell, Aaron Bradshaw, and Ugonna Onyenso, Kentucky has the best frontcourt in college basketball.
Coach John Calipari had this to say about Ivisic being cleared by the NCAA, "He was ecstatic. And it was only a few of us there. The team had left. So, you know, we sent them a message and let him send it out. But it was -- he was all smiles. He's got a way to go. But he's -- you know, I told them, do you know why he was wide open? Because they didn't think he could shoot 3's. They hadn't seen him ever play. So... But it was a good start for him. And, you know, it took a long, long time, but I appreciate the work everybody did to make it happen."
The Wildcats have a star in the making with Ivisic, and with a little improvement on the defensive side, this team can win a National Championship.
