It was one of the flagship posters of this NCAA season, and it quickly turned into a blowout. At the Allen Fieldhouse in Kansas, the Kentucky Wildcats delivered one of the most outstanding performances of this 2021/22 fiscal year this weekend: a huge victory (80-62), a gap of +20 at halftime ( 51-31), a devilish shot success (50.8%).
Oscar Tshiebwe, the “junior” of Kentucky credible candidate for the title of player of the year, martyred the interior sector of Kansas with 17 points and 14 rebounds (16.3 points and 15.1 rebounds on the season).
The other “junior” Keion Brooks Jr delivered his best university game with 27 points and a “masterclass” of shots from mid-range. ” He has been playing like this for several matches” noted with satisfaction John Calipari. ” He didn’t just score baskets. He took rebounds, he defended. His weak side defense was good. He has done some very good deeds.“
On the Kansas side, the “senior” Ochai Agbaji was the most prominent in this collective sinking (13 points at 4/14).
With this big victory, Kentucky passes 5th of the Top 25 of the AP (12th before the meeting).
Alabama in control against Baylor!
Alert “upset” with the victory of Alabama at home against Baylor (87-78). The Crimson Tide delivered a high quality offensive performance (59.2% on shots), led by its back duo Jahvon Quinerly / Jalen Shackelford who accumulated 49 points and 10 assists.
” Our defense was much better, and when we needed to make stops, we made them.” liked Nate Oats, the Alabama coach. ” I told the guys that they had to have fun. It was a nice atmosphere and our energy was much better than during the last meetings. It’s encouraging.“
Despite three starters with more than 10 points, the Bears bow quite clearly against a team from Alabama simply in a great evening on offense. Nothing to worry about for the troop of Scott Drew, who lost only their third game of the season and remained in the top 10 of the AP.
Jaden Ivey crucifies Ohio State at the mermaid
The Purdue star “sophomore” handed victory to his team on a “game-winner” full of composure behind the arc. Coming off the bench for this meeting, the back finished with 21 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists.
Comfortably ahead of the score at halftime (39-30), the Boilermakers let the Buckeyes return to the game in the second half, driven in particular by a great EJ Liddell (20 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists) . More fear than harm thanks to Ivey, who saves the evening and allows his audience to exult.
” With the clock ticking, I just went for the ball. The action was supposed to be for Zach [Edey], but I got tangled up, honestly.” confessed the hero of the evening. ” Sometimes you have to improvise and just go get a basket.“
Michigan State easy derby winner
On their floor, the Spartans easily disposed of their rival Michigan in the derby of the region (83-67). The “freshman” Max Christie, strong shooter, led the charge for Michigan State and finished with 16 points 3/4 behind the arc, but also 3 rebounds, an assist, a block and an interception.
On the side of the Wolverines, the pivot “sophomore” Hunter Dickinson did not deserve (25 points and 6 rebounds), while the duo of “freshman” Caleb Houstan and the Frenchman Moussa Diabaté scored 11 points each.
A Texas Tech – Texas duel under tension
Texas Tech coach between 2016 and 2021, Chris Beard joined rival Texas last spring. That night marked his first return to his old room, and he was received as he should be: copious boos as he exited the hallway.
On the field, there was no match: the Red Raiders dominated the Longhorns in wide widths (77-64), thanks in particular to an excellent first half (+14), a good outside address (42.1%) and four holders with more than 10 points, including 19 for the “junior” Kevin McCullar.
After the meeting, Beard was trying to relativize the narrative behind this return : “ This evening was not about me. I respect my opponents, I respect the game. And I congratulate Texas Tech on this good home win. The energy from the crowd was good, I thought it was a great college game.“
