Kentucky struggled to slow down West Virginia’s offense in the first half Saturday afternoon, but the young Wildcats showed their determination after halftime to book a spot in the Sweet 16.
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At halftime, Kentucky looked fairly lethargic in trailing 41-33. Apparently coach John Calipari’s words or game plan adjustments during the break struck a chord with his players as the Wildcats dominated the second half en route to a 71-63 victory, making Kentucky the first team to qualify for the Sweet 16.
Freshman point guard Brandon Knight, who hit the game-winning shot at the end of the contest against Princeton in the Second Round, had an outstanding game for the Wildcats as he scored a career-best 30 points. That is an entire 13 points above his season average.
Aside from the Kentucky offense finding its groove, it was the defensive effort that pushed it over the top as West Virginia only mustered 22 points in the second half. After struggling defensively much of the season, Kentucky has now put together an eight-game winning streak in which it has allowed no more than 68 points in any of the victories.
Kentucky will face the Ohio State/George Mason winner Friday in the Sweet 16.
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