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#2 Kentucky hold off feisty, unranked Old Dominion

By: Jeff Meadows

A GAME OF RUNS

Early in the first half, Old Dominion led by Chris Cooper and Kent Bazemore, jumped out to an early 18-11 lead which was quickly countered by a Kentucky 7-0 run to tie the game at 18. Shortly after, Old Dominion would go back up 5 after a steal and lay-up by Trian Aliadis. Kentucky then went on a 9-0 run to end half, holding on to a 32-27. Early in the second half Kentucky’s Doron Lamb hit a deep 3 and was fouled. Lamb made the free throw, giving the Wildcats a commanding 41-30 lead. Midway through the second half, ODU’s Nick Wright scored on a lay-up cutting Kentucky’s lead to 5, 46-41 with just under 7 minutes to go. ODU’s Trian Aliadis hit 2 big three’s, again cutting Kentucky’s lead down to 1, 50-49. Kentucky then took total control after a Michael Kidd-Gilchrist lay-up and dunk which gave the Wildcats a 60-49 lead that sealed the deal as Kentucky would go on to win 62-52, improving to 4-0 while Old Dominion goes to 3-2.

KEYS TO KENTUCKY’S VICTORY

SENIOR LEADERSHIP IS ALWAYS CRUCIAL

While each year Kentucky is seemingly led by their fabulous freshman classes it’s really their seniors that step up to the plate and add the much needed stability. Last year it was Patrick Patterson this year Darius Miller. Miller came off the bench to give the Wildcats a huge boost, scoring 13 points and dishing out 5 assist. The most crucial part of the first half, Kentucky went on their 9-0 run in which Miller scored 7 of the 9 points. Also, Miller was able to dissect ODU’s stifling zone defense which got Kentucky’s offense flowing.

FABULOUS FRESHMAN CONTINUE TO PLAY FABULOUS

Kentucky’s "FAB FRESHMAN" Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilcrhist played very well. Anthony Davis had a great game scoring 13 points grabbing 9 rebounds and rejecting 5 shots while Gilchrist scored  

MARQUES TEAGUE’S FRESHMAN WOES CONTINUE

One of Kentucky’s "FAB FRESHMAN" Marques Teague continues to struggle. Marques scored 6 points and racked up 6 turnover’s to go along with 2 assist.

OLD DOMINION’S BRIGHT SPOTS

ODU’s senior forward Chris Cooper was the team’s bright spot leading all scorers with 17 points 12 rebounds and 2 assist, Trial Aliadis 11 points and 3 rebounds, Kent Bazemore scored 10 points grabbed 4 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 assist while Nick Wright, who was fresh off of serving a 3 game suspension, scored 9 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.

KENTUCKY’S STAT LEADERS