John Calipari calls win over Germany a 'good team win,' looks ahead to Canada matchup

Kentucky opened the GLOBL Jam competition Wednesday with an impressive 81-73 victory over Team Germany in Toronto.

Antonio Reeves led the way for the team with 24 points on 8 of 15 shooting from the field. West Virginia transfer forward Tre Mitchell also added 20 points and six rebounds in his first game for Kentucky.

“Made some shots in the second half,” head coach John Calipari said on the Sportsnet broadcast after the win. “Tre came out and made those threes, now you’re playing a nine- point lead and their shots become a little tougher. I think making some shots. I thought Antonio was fabulous. He went on an unbelievable run, and the dude rebounded, like was nutty rebounding the ball,. But it was a good team win. For a team that has practiced 10 times, and don’t know (each other), I’m happy.”

Mitchell wasn’t the only new face to make an impact in his unofficial first game as a Wildcat. Five-star freshman DJ Wagner and Justin Edwards both started the game. Wagner finished with 16 points and a team-high six assists while Edwards had four points and nine rebounds.

“We got a bunch of competitors, a bunch of competitors, which is good,” Calipari said of his newcomers.

Kentucky defeated Germany without center Ugonna Onyenso, who injured his ankle Tuesday in an exhibition.

Kentucky now has to go up against Team Canada on Friday. Calipari has been successful recruiting players from the country with Canadian stars such as All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and NBA champion Jamal Murray wearing Kentucky blue in college.

Calipari said it will be a “hard game” versus the rival to the north.

“We’re on their court,” Calipari said. “We got a great group of fans here too, but it’s gonna be an overwhelmingly Canadian night. I think Shai is coming home and I bet you he roots for Canada, which will make me mad. I don’t know if Jamal Murray’s dad, I think Roger may come. He’ll probably root for Canada. What are you gonna do?”