Kentucky Comes Back from Double Digits to Beat Gonzaga in OT
Both teams came out firing with 11 points combined in the first minute of the game. Graham Ike led the way for Gonzaga with 28 points and 11 rebounds. Gonzaga moved the ball well in the first half and hit their shots which always helps. They were able to distance themselves from Kentucky and led 50-34 at halftime. Everything was rolling the right way for the Zags in the first half.
The Wildcats were outmuscled on the boards and that led to lots of easy buckets for Gonzaga. Kentucky also committed a ton of fouls that contributed to the high score in the first half, as the Bulldogs used free throws to stretch their lead. Kentucky seemed to be outmatched and didn't have the scoring to contend with Gonzaga. The Bulldogs imposed their will with their big men, causing significant problems for Kentucky.
However, the number four ranked Wildcats are number four for a reason. They came out in the second half with a purpose. Kentucky used an 11-0 run to force themselves back into the game. They used a balanced attack led by senior guard, Andrew Carr who finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Another guard, Otega Oweh scored 13 points and six rebounds. Sophomore forward Brandon Garrison came off the bench to score ten points and grab nine boards. Jaxson Robinson was the big-shot maker with 18 points and a couple of big shots in overtime.
Gonzaga’s senior forward Ben Gregg gave them some punch off the bench when they needed it. He ended the night with 14 points and seven rebounds. Ryan Nemhard did what Ryan Nemhard does and that’s zip the ball around the court, he finished with 10 assists and 13 points. The Bulldogs did a great job of holding the lead against a relentless Kentucky team for the most part.
All in all, it truly was a tale of two halves with Gonzaga dominating in the first and Kentucky storming back in the second. In the end, it was the furious second-half comeback and overtime where Kentucky asserted their dominance and pulled off the comeback with a 90-89 OT win.
