The Clemson Tigers may have just provided a blueprint on how to beat Kentucky basketball. They battered the Wildcats, played suffocating defense, and out-rebounded them, and got the win 70 – 66.
To call it a tough night shooting for Kentucky would be an understatement. The Wildcats, whose calling card has been their offense, shot just 38% from the floor and made just 7-of-27 from three-point range. Clemson, meanwhile, made 8-of-25 from deep, beating Kentucky at their own game.
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Otega Oweh led Kentucky in scoring with 17 points. Lamont Butler and Jaxson Robinson were the only two other Cats in double figures with 16 and 12 respectively. Amari Williams narrowly missed another double-double, as he had 9 points and 11 rebounds.
Clemson had the perfect game plan, and frustrated Kentucky’s shooters the entire night. They couldn’t get open looks, and when they did, they missed the shots. Clemson, on the other hand, made several big shots every time the Cats got close.
It doesn’t get easier for the Wildcats. They’ll play the seventh ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs on Saturday, and try to avoid a second consecutive loss.