Double-double streak ends at 17 for Oscar Tshiebwe

Double-double performances became a nightly occurrence last season once SEC play started for Oscar Tshiebwe. The West Virginia transfer became a force scoring in the paint and was the best glass cleaner in college basketball. That one-two punch was the main reason why Tshiebwe brought home National Player of the Year honors.

After missing the first two games of the 2022-23 season, Oscar Tshiebwe looked like his old self in 34 minutes against Michigan State going for 22 points and 18 rebounds to extend his double-double streak to 17 games. That streak ended in Thursday night’s home 106-63 win over South Carolina State.

The senior’s night ended with six points (3 of 6 shooting) and seven rebounds in 17 minutes as the Cats cruised to a big home win before making a road trip to the Pacific Northwest to face No. 2 Gonzaga.

Oscar Tshiebwe is still coming off the bench

For the second game in a row, John Calipari had his best player available but decided not to start Oscar Tshiebwe. Kentucky’s star checked into the game with 13:33 left in the first half and then was pulled for the final time with 12:56 left in the second half. The Cats stuck to a minutes restriction after Tshiebwe was asked to play a big role against Michigan State.

After receiving a minor procedure on his knee to treat some swelling following Kentucky’s Pro Day in October, Tshiebwe had to take some time off. Kentucky is now attempting to get him back into the swing of things. He certainly looks the part.

All by himself. @Oscartshiebwe34 💪 pic.twitter.com/gr6BNjKifL

— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) November 18, 2022

Now all eyes are on the upcoming All-American battle with Tshiebwe and Gonzaga’s Drew Timme on Sunday. Hopefully, Kentucky’s star will have no limitations and will be ready to join the starting lineup for the top-five tilt.