Kentucky appeared dead in the water in the first half against No. 7 Gonzaga in Seattle. The Wildcats allowed 50 points on 34 possessions while the Bulldogs shot nearly 70 percent from two-point range. Mark Few‘s got 18 points from Big Graham Ike and seven assists from Ryan Nembhard in an impressive first 20 minutes. This allowed the home team to gain a 16-point lead at halftime in this neutral game.

Despite that great first half, Gonzaga left Climate Pledge Arena with a point loss in overtime. How did the Wildcats overcome an 18-point deficit? Mark PopeThe team received major contributions from two starters.

Wake Forest transfer Andrew Carr finished the game with a team-high 19 points on 12 field goal attempts with seven rebounds and three assists in 33 minutes. The Big scored 11 points after halftime and Kentucky was up 16 in the second half with him in the lineup. Carr gave Kentucky a real interior presence, playing a big role in UK winning the paint battle (48). -44).

After a calf injury Kerr KriisaPope’s point guard depth has been decimated. Kentucky decided to run Jaxson Robinson on the spot. The 2024 Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year had his best performance as a Wildcat in Seattle.

Robinson finished the game with 18 points on 15 field goal attempts with three rebounds, five assists and zero turnovers in 36 minutes. The guard/winger finished the second half with 13 points on five of six shots. Kentucky was plus-15 in the second half with Robinson on the floor.

Kentucky won’t pull off the big comeback without a massive effort from two of the best players on the roster.

Box Score: Kentucky vs. Gonzaga