Takeaways: Kentucky comes back from a late deficit to beat Arkansas 111-102 in a shootout
The Kentucky Wildcats took down the Arkansas Razorbacks 111-102 in Rupp Arena. This game had offensive fireworks as both teams shot over 50% from the field.
Based on where the Razorbacks are ranked in the NET, if Kentucky would have lost this game, it would have been a killer for the NCAA Tournament seeding.
This is a massive win for Kentucky and keeps the Wildcats alive to be a top-four seed in the SEC Tournament.
What can we take away from Kentucky's 111-102 win over the Arkansas Razorbacks?
Justin Edwards was clutch at the end of the game
Justin Edwards didn't play a lot early in the second half, but he came in the last five minutes of the game and went ballistic. He had eight points in the last few minutes of the game, including a three-pointer. If it wasn't for Edwards, Kentucky might not have won this game late. This kid is gaining confidence, and when Kentucky needs him, he shows up. Coach Calipari had the confidence to put him back in the game in a close one, and he shined.
Aaron Bradshaw and DJ Wagner were both really good
Aaron Bradshaw and DJ Wagner have struggled a bit of late, but they both played really well in this game. Wagner played well last game with an efficient ten points. In this game, he had 19 points on 6-7 shooting from the field and 3-4 from three. If Wagner gets it going from deep, he could take the NCAA Tournament by storm. Bradshaw hadn't been playing a lot since Ugonna Onyenso and Zvonimir Ivisic have been playing well, but in this game, he scored 15 points while going 4-4 from the field and going 6-8 from the charity stripe. Bradshaw played big minutes for Kentucky in this win. If these two talented freshmen get going, watch out.
Kentucky knew they needed to win
Where the Arkansas Razorbacks are ranked in the NET, if Kentucky would have lost this game, they could have seriously dropped a few seed lines in the NCAA Tournament. This game was a must-win, and after being down almost double digits with less than eight minutes left in the game, the Wildcats came back to get the nine-point win. Kentucky didn't play the perfect game, but they found a way to win, and that's all that matters. Still some things to improve, but Arkansas threw their best punch, and the Wildcats found a way to win.
What's next?
On Wednesday the Wildcats will host the Vanderbilt Commodores at 9:00 pm et for the final game of the season in Rupp Arena.