Wildcats Today

Takeaways: Kentucky gets it done late to take down #9 North Carolina 87-83

What can we take away from Kentucky's 87-83 win over the North Carolina Tar Heels?

Andrew Stefaniak

In this story:

Kentucky hit the road to take on the North Carolina Tar Heels in Atlanta and was able to walk away with a massive victory. 

The team was gritty down the stretch and got the job done when North Carolina continued to make a push late. 

This win is huge for Kentucky's post-season resume as we get closer to the start of SEC play. 

What can we take away from Kentucky's 87-83 win over the North Carolina Tar Heels in Atlanta? 

Kentucky finished strong

© Jordan Godfree-USA TODAY Sports

When this game got closer to the end of the second half, North Carolina continued to inch back, and Big Blue Nation had flashbacks of the Kansas game. Despite the Tar Heels making a strong push late the Cats were able to get the job done thanks to some big buckets from DJ Wagner and Rob Dillingham. Kentucky will need to be able to finish when March Madness comes and seeing them do it in a Tournament environment was exciting.  

Kentucky slowed Armando Bacot

© Jordan Godfree-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into this game, one of the significant concerns aside from RJ Davis was Armando Bacot. The Cats had to find a way to not let him get involved in this game, and they did just that. Bacot only had nine points and six rebounds in this game, which was huge for Kentucky. Now that Kentucky has almost all of their bigs back on the floor, guarding opposing team centers is much less concerning. Bacot is one of the best players in college basketball, and Kentucky made him a bit of a non-factor in the huge win. 

Ugonna Onyenso was back and blocked a bunch of shots

© Jordan Godfree-USA TODAY Sports

Ugonna Onyenso made his 2023-24 season debut against the Tar Heels and played ten vital minutes for Kentucky. He didn't have a great +/- in this game but was able to get the job done down low. Onyenso blocked three shots in this game, making it hard for the Tar Heels to score around the rim. Having Onyenso back also helped when Bradshaw got into foul trouble. The Cats are getting healthy at the right time and playing great basketball. 

What's next? 

Kentucky will head to the KFC Yum Center to take on their biggest rival, the Louisville Cardinals. This game will take place on Thursday, December 21st, at 6:00 pm et. 

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Andrew Stefaniak
ANDREW STEFANIAK