Kentucky picks up first big victory of the season against Michigan in London

Kentucky men’s basketball’s first-ever win across the pond couldn’t have come at a better time for the Wildcats.

On Sunday afternoon in London, England at the O2 Arena, the No. 19 ranked Wildcats (6-2) were able to fend off the Michigan Wolverines (5-3) by a final score of 73-69. A huge 3-pointer from freshman Cason Wallace with just over one minute left in the game lifted the ‘Cats to a much-needed victory against a quality opponent. Oscar Tshiebwe led the way with a double-double of 13 points and 14 rebounds while Wallace finished with 14 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.

Coming into this game, Kentucky had dropped both of its previous matchups against Power 5 opponents this season to Michigan State and Gonzaga, but the ‘Cats found a way to change that in London.

Both sides came out clicking on offense. An Antonio Reeves triple put Kentucky ahead 11-8 at the first media timeout, but Michigan would deliver the first punch. The Wolverines rattled off a 9-0 run to go in front 17-11 immediately after.

The ‘Cats would respond, keeping the score within five points throughout the rest of the first half. Kentucky’s 8-2 run heading into the locker room gave them a 37-36 lead at the break. Tshiebwe led both sides in points (11) and rebounds (seven) after the opening 20 minutes. UK was at 43.3 percent overall shooting and an efficient 5-8 from beyond the arc.

To begin the second half, Kentucky went hunting for the final blow. A couple of 3-pointers from Wallace gave the ‘Cats a 47-35 advantage but Michigan prevented the gas pedal from being floored. The Wolverines slowly chipped away at the lead, eventually going ahead 50-49 at the 12:42 mark.

Dickinson went on a personal 6-0 run while Tshibwe was on the bench with three fouls. But once the reigning national player of the year came back into the lineup, Kentucky began to control the momentum. A must-have 3-pointer from CJ Fredrick was followed up by six straight points courtesy of Sahvir Wheeler, giving Kentucky a 66-58 lead with 4:29 left in regulation.

Michigan fought back though, cutting the score to 68-66 in favor of the ‘Cats with roughly 90 seconds to go. But the freshman Wallace stepped up to hit the biggest shot of the night, canning a late-shot clock triple to give Kentucky a five-point cushion. UK would play sound defense the rest of the way and made enough free throws to seal a must-have win.

Tshiebwe finished the afternoon with his usual double-double while Jacob Toppin and Wallace chipped in 14 points a piece. Wallace was a perfect 4-4 from downtown to go along with his eight rebounds and five assists. Reeves and Wheeler also added 11 points each. As a team, Kentucky shot 46.6 percent from the floor and 9-15 from beyond the arc but went just 10-18 from the free throw line.

Meanwhile, Michigan shot under 40 percent overall and failed to get anything out of players not named Hunter Dickinson or Jett Howard, who combined for 39 points. The Wolverines only turned the ball over seven times (compared to 14 for Kentucky) but lost the rebounding battle by 13.

Kentucky will now take a break to travel back home before Yale comes to Lexington on Saturday, Dec. 10.