Kentucky Dominates St. John’s 78-66, Oweh Shines with 20 Points

UPDATE: In a thrilling college basketball showdown, the Kentucky Wildcats have triumphed over No. 22 St. John’s with a decisive score of 78-66, showcasing a dominant second-half performance that left fans electrified.

The game, held in Atlanta on December 9, 2023, marked a significant victory against former Kentucky coach Rick Pitino. Star player Otega Oweh led the charge, scoring 20 points and helping the Wildcats improve their record to 8-4.

St. John’s initially held the lead at 41-33 after a three-point play from Zuby Ejiofor with 16:07 remaining in the game. However, Kentucky ramped up their defensive pressure, unleashing a stunning 14-0 run that left the Red Storm reeling without a field goal for nearly nine minutes.

As the Wildcats surged ahead, the pro-Kentucky crowd, affectionately dubbed “Cat-Lanta,” erupted in cheers, particularly when Jayden Quaintance made his much-anticipated debut after recovering from a knee injury. The transfer from Arizona State delivered an impressive performance with 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

“It feels incredible to be back on the court and contributing to the team,” Quaintance said after the game.

With St. John’s struggling to find their rhythm, they managed just 33% shooting from the field, with Bryce Hopkins leading the Red Storm with 13 points. Kentucky’s relentless defense proved too much for them as they pushed their lead into double digits.

This game is a pivotal moment for Kentucky, who had been facing challenges this season, leading to their absence from The Associated Press Top 25 rankings. The Wildcats will be looking to build on this momentum as they prepare to face Bellarmine at home on Tuesday afternoon.

Meanwhile, St. John’s will host Harvard on Tuesday, hoping to bounce back from this defeat and regain their competitive edge.

Stay tuned for more updates as both teams navigate the remainder of the season!