Kentucky Leads Team Africa 59-41 at the Half

The Kentucky Wildcats already punched their ticket to the gold medal game of the 2023 GLOBL Jam, yet they aren’t letting Team Africa off the hook. Playing in the third of three round robin games, Kentucky stormed out to a 59-41 halftime lead Saturday afternoon in Toronto.

As has become the norm during this Kentucky basketball summer exhibition tour, the Wildcats’ success was defined by ball movement. Kentucky made 22 field goals on 15 assists and knocked down 8-of-18 shots from behind the three-point line.

A day after swimming in Drake’s pool, Kentucky needed Justin Edwards to provide the early energy. The 6-foot-8 swingman from Philadelphia hit a couple of threes. He also threw down a thunderous left-handed dunk in transition to provide more fireworks. He finished the first half with 11 points and a pair of steals.

Edwards was great, but he didn’t have the most impressive play of the first half. That belongs to Adou Thiero. The sensational sophomore has been arguably the greatest surprise of the GLOBL Jam. He caught a lob from Antonio Reeves in transition and finished right on top of his opponent’s head.

ADOU ON THEIR HEAD! pic.twitter.com/eCqPy8XccF

— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) July 15, 2023

As has become the norm during this summer exhibition series, Antonio Reeves is Kentucky’s top scorer. The senior had 18 first half points on five made threes. Thiero, DJ Wagner and Reed Sheppard each chipped in seven points apiece.

Emmanuel Okorafor, a late addition to last year’s Louisville basketball team, brought his A-game to the rivalry. He leads Team Africa with 12 points and five rebounds.

Kentucky vs. Team Africa First Half Box Score

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