Kentucky wins when Jacob Toppin gets buckets

In Saturday’s home win over Texas A&M, an argument can be made that senior Jacob Toppin was Kentucky’s most valuable player. The former Rhode Island transfer stepped up and gave the offense a crucial 17 points as star Oscar Tshiebwe managed foul trouble and constant double teams.

This continues a trend for Kentucky basketball in 2022-23. When Toppin scores, Kentucky usually wins.

The 6-9 forward is currently averaging 10.9 points per game shooting 45.8 percent from two-point field goal attempts and 23.1 percent on three-point field goal attempts. Things have been an up-and-down for the forward. But when Toppin scores, good things typically happen for the offense.

Kentucky is 5-1 this season when Toppin scores at least 15 points. The only loss was when the four-man went for 16 points on 7 of 18 shooting in a November loss to Gonzaga. His recent form has been strong.

In three of his last six games against power conference foes, Toppin has reached at least 17 points. The veteran was huge on Saturday and also had strong performances in Rupp Arena against both Louisville and LSU. His absence was noticeable in the home loss to South Carolina.

If teams decide to send double and triple teams at Tshiebwe, Kentucky needs the surrounding complementary pieces to step up and provide scoring production. Toppin is proving he can give the offense a much-needed punch at the four-spot. Now we’ll see if it can become more consistent. Toppin is currently only shooting 38.3 percent on two-point field goals in SEC play. The Wildcats need more efficiency.

Jacob Toppin might be the most important player on the team moving forward. Kentucky needs him on the floor and is at its best when their starting four plays well.