Kentucky's high-powered offense was on full display at Rupp Arena, as the Wildcats cruised to a 94-78 victory over Oklahoma. Otega Oweh led the charge, scoring 24 points to pace Kentucky's balanced attack. The Wildcats' convincing win was predicted by CHD Scout, who forecasted a 7.9-point margin of victory, and while the actual margin was larger, the outcome was never in doubt.
From the opening tip, Kentucky asserted its dominance, taking a 43-32 lead into halftime. The Wildcats' backcourt duo of Otega Oweh and Collin Chandler combined for 26 points in the first half, setting the tone for a high-scoring affair. Oklahoma's Xzayvier Brown kept the Sooners within striking distance, scoring 12 points in the first half, but Kentucky's depth and athleticism proved too much to overcome.
In the second half, Kentucky continued to push the pace, with Brandon Garrison taking center stage. The Wildcats' forward scored 14 of his 20 points after the break, adding 11 rebounds to his tally. Collin Chandler chipped in with 18 points, as Kentucky's offense hummed along, shooting over 50% from the field. Oklahoma, meanwhile, struggled to keep pace, despite Brown's game-high 21 points. The Sooners' supporting cast was unable to match the Wildcats' firepower, and the deficit gradually grew throughout the second half.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The win was a significant one for Kentucky's tournament resume, as it marked a Quad 3 victory. With a current net ranking of 28, the Wildcats are solidifying their position on the right side of the bubble. For Oklahoma, the loss was a Quad 1 opportunity squandered, and the Sooners' net ranking of 81 will likely suffer as a result. While Oklahoma's performance was respectable, the loss highlights the challenges the Sooners face in their pursuit of a tournament bid.
CHD Scout's prediction of a Kentucky win by 7.9 points proved accurate, although the actual margin was larger than anticipated. The Wildcats' dominant performance was a reflection of their depth and talent, and it will be interesting to see how they build on this momentum in the coming weeks. With the win, Kentucky improves to 16-7 on the season, while Oklahoma falls to 11-12. As the season enters its final stretch, the Wildcats' tournament chances continue to look promising, thanks in large part to performances like this one. The win over Oklahoma is a valuable addition to Kentucky's resume, and it will likely play a significant role in the Wildcats' postseason fate.