Jayden Quaintance soaks in a double-digit halftime lead vs. Alabama

We are all Jayden Quaintance, just sitting here soaking in an absolute ass-whooping of a halftime performance inside Rupp Arena. They introduced the five-star signee and Kentucky‘s prize of the 2024 recruiting class during a TV timeout and, well, he just enjoyed himself.

For a minute or two. Or three. Just taking his time at midcourt. He was out there so long a UK staff member had to come out and get him before play resumed, forgetting to wave for the first 30 seconds or so.

My guy just did not want to leave.

Welcome to the show, Jayden Quaintance. pic.twitter.com/v6C30COwwu

— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) February 24, 2024

All hell broke loose after he returned to his seat, Kentucky going on a ridiculous 20-2 run to push ahead by as many as 18 points before closing with a 58-42 lead. It was the most ridiculous first-half offensive performance of the season, Georgia being the only thing close — and that was with the help of Big Z’s debut.

Kentucky shot an absurd 64.5% at the half and 58.3% from three with two players already in double figures, Antonio Reeves leading the way with 15 and Justin Edwards close behind with 13 points on a perfect 5-5 shooting. Adou Thiero has added seven points, followed by Rob Dillingham with six, Zvonimir Ivisic and Ugonna Onyenso with five, DJ Wagner with four and Reed Sheppard with three. Aaron Bradshaw was the lone Wildcat held scoreless in the opening 20 minutes.

As for Alabama, Rylan Griffen leads the way with 12, followed by Mark Sears and Aaron Estrada with nine and Nick Pringle with seven. The Tide are shooting 55.2% overall and 50.0% from deep.

The difference? 16 points off turnovers for Kentucky compared to just four for Alabama, the Cats forcing nine turnovers and seven steals.

Really not much to gripe about with that effort. UK is controlling things through 20 minutes.

Finish ’em off, Cats.