No. 23 Kentucky Basketball secured its second consecutive victory of the season, defeating James Madison 89-80 at Rupp Arena on Friday night. The Wildcats improved to 2-0 on the year, showcasing a resilient offensive engine even when their star scorer was held in check. While the performance lacked the polish of their season opener, Kentucky’s depth proved decisive as they controlled the pace and outscored the Dukes in the final stretch to seal the win.
Wildcats extend winning streak with balanced attack despite Milan Momcilovic’s quiet night
The offensive load was distributed effectively, with six Wildcats reaching double figures. Alex Wilkins and Zoom Diallo led the charge with 16 points each, while Justin McBride delivered a standout performance against his former program. McBride provided a crucial spark, draining multiple three-pointers and finishing with 13 points. Mason Williams added 12, and Braydon Hawthorne contributed 10, ensuring Kentucky maintained a steady scoring flow throughout the contest.
The game’s most significant narrative shift involved Milan Momcilovic, who struggled to replicate his debut performance. After dropping 24 points on 8-of-12 shooting in the season opener against Manhattan, Momcilovic finished with just seven points against James Madison. As one of the premier shooters in college basketball, his quiet night highlights the defensive adjustments opponents will employ. Kentucky’s ability to succeed without their highest-volume scorer signals a promising level of team balance, though the coaching staff will look to unlock his full potential in upcoming matchups.
Source: Yahoo Sports
