In their second exhibition game of the GLOBL JAM FIBA event, the Kentucky Wildcats showcased their dominance on the court, defeating Team Canada with a final score of 93-69. With this victory, Kentucky advances to the championship game of the event, where they will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent. The Wildcats have now won 27 straight exhibition games and maintain an impressive record of 148-12 in such contests.
The game started with a strong performance from Kentucky’s starting lineup, which featured Rob Dillingham, Reed Sheppard, Antonio Reeves, Adou Thiero, and Tre Mitchell. Dillingham and Sheppard earned their first start of the tournament, and they made an immediate impact on the court. Dillingham contributed four early points, helping the Wildcats take an 8-4 lead. Although Canada fought back and tied the score at 8-8, Kentucky responded with a 13-4 run, powered by two three-pointers from Sheppard and another from Reeves. By the end of the first quarter, Kentucky held a 24-16 advantage.
The Wildcats continued their dominance in the second quarter, maintaining control of the game. The teams traded baskets early on, but Kentucky extended their lead with a pair of three-pointers from Justin Edwards and a fast-break dunk by Thiero. Sheppard’s defensive effort was also notable, as he blocked a Canada three-pointer, grabbed the rebound, and quickly raced down the court for a slam dunk. Kentucky headed into halftime with a comfortable 49-34 lead.
The third quarter saw Canada attempting to mount a comeback, narrowing the deficit to 55-43 with 5:33 remaining. However, Kentucky responded swiftly, with Thiero converting a traditional three-point play after a well-executed pass from D.J. Wagner. The Wildcats outscored Canada 16-6 for the remainder of the quarter, finishing with a 71-49 lead.
The final quarter belonged to Kentucky, as they maintained their strong performance. Edwards led the charge with seven points, including a three-pointer that extended the Wildcats’ lead to 27 points. Joey Hart made his first appearance in the game, playing the final two minutes. Kentucky continued to control the game, securing a comfortable 24-point victory.
Throughout the game, Kentucky demonstrated their defensive prowess and ability to force turnovers. They held a significant advantage in points off turnovers (23-8) and fast-break points (15-6), thanks to their relentless pressure on the Canadian team. The Wildcats forced a total of 21 turnovers, capitalizing on their opponent’s mistakes.
Several players stood out for Kentucky in this game. Antonio Reeves led all scorers with 23 points, earning game-high honors for the second time in the tournament. Justin Edwards contributed 16 points and five rebounds, while Reed Sheppard showcased his versatility with 14 points, four assists, and a game-high four steals. Adou Thiero made a significant impact with 11 points, six rebounds, and six assists, and the Wildcats enjoyed a game-high plus-22 point differential with him on the court. Tre Mitchell’s performance was notable as well, as he recorded eight points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a game-high five blocks. Rob Dillingham showcased his playmaking abilities, scoring six points and distributing a game-high eight assists.
With this impressive victory, Kentucky now sets its sights on the championship game of the GLOBL JAM FIBA event. They will face a formidable opponent in the final, scheduled to tip-off at 8 p.m. on Sunday. Fans can catch the Wildcats in action as the game will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network.
