UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, Kentucky rallied past No. 22 St. John’s with a decisive score of 78-66 on December 9, 2023, in Atlanta. Otega Oweh led the Wildcats with 20 points, while Jayden Quaintance shone in his debut after recovering from injury, making a significant impact against former coach Rick Pitino.
The game shifted dramatically midway through the second half. St. John’s held a 41-33 lead until Kentucky unleashed a 14-0 run, fueled by exceptional defensive pressure that kept the Red Storm scoreless for nearly nine minutes. This performance marked a crucial turning point for Kentucky (8-4), who has been battling through a challenging season.
Quaintance, a highly anticipated transfer from Arizona State, showcased his full recovery by contributing 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks. The crowd in Atlanta, affectionately called “Cat-Lanta,” erupted as Quaintance made his entrance, cheering wildly when he scored his first basket and later when he blocked a shot by Oziyah Sellers.
“This was our best performance of the season,” said Kentucky coach Mark Pope, reflecting on the team’s turnaround in the second half.
St. John’s (7-4) struggled offensively, shooting just 33% from the field, with Bryce Hopkins leading the team with 13 points. The defeat adds to the challenges faced by Pitino, who returned to Kentucky for the first time since 2016 after a tumultuous tenure at Louisville.
Looking ahead, St. John’s will host Harvard on Tuesday, while Kentucky will return home to face Bellarmine in a game that promises to maintain their momentum. This victory could be a turning point for Kentucky, raising hopes among fans for a stronger season ahead.
Stay tuned as we continue to cover the latest developments in college basketball!