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Postgame thoughts from Kentucky's 75-63 win over Ole Miss

Takeaways: Kentucky holds Ole Miss to 63 points snapping the losing streak in Rupp Arena

What can we take away from Kentucky's 75-63 win over Ole Miss?

In this story:

Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky Wildcats
Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss Rebels

The Kentucky Wildcats snapped the three-game losing streak in Rupp Arena, taking down Ole Miss 75-63. 

The Wildcats have a big game coming up against the Auburn Tigers, and this win will give John Calipari's team some confidence. 

It was a must-win game for Kentucky, and they got the job done. If Kentucky can win when they need it most, it will help in March. 

What can we take away from Kentucky's big win over the Ole Miss Rebels?

Ugonna Onyenso hosted a block party

Feb 13, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Ugonna Onyenso (33) celebrates from the bench during the first half against the Ole Miss Rebels at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Ugonna Onyenso was great in this game, as he blocked ten shots. In the win. Onyenso tied the Rupp Arena single-game record for blocks against Ole Miss. He also scored eight points and grabbed three rebounds. After the loss to Gonzaga, the Wildcats needed the seven-footers to bring physicality, and Onyenso did that in this basketball game. If Onyenso has that kind of impact on both ends of the floor the rest of the year, this season will turn around quickly.  

The defense was much better

Feb 13, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Ole Miss Rebels guard TJ Caldwell (2) drives to the basket around Kentucky Wildcats guard Justin Edwards (1) during the first half at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky's defense in this game was much better, as the Wildcats held Ole Miss to 63 points. The Rebels average 76.4 points per game on the year and Kentucky held them to a number much lower than this. Ole Miss has only scored less than 63 points once this season. The defense still has a ways to go, but the way this team scores, if they defend like this, they can have a special month of March. 

Tre Mitchell hurt his shoulder

Jan 9, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Tre Mitchell (4) celebrates during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Tre Mitchell returned from a back injury against the Ole Miss Rebels and then, in the second half, went down with a shoulder injury. He came to the bench, grabbed his shoulder, then quickly headed to the locker room and was not seen again. Hopefully, Mitchell won't miss much time, as he looked really good in his return and will be a big part of Kentucky's run. We will provide updates when they are given to us by Coach Calipari. 

The offense was balanced

Feb 13, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Reed Sheppard (15) drives to the basket around Ole Miss Rebels guard Matthew Murrell (11) during the second half at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky had four players in double figures: Antonio Reeves scored 15 points, Reed Sheppard scored 13, Rob Dillingham scored 10, and Justin Edwards scored 12. Edwards had an excellent showing for the Wildcats as he went 4-7 from the field. This was one of his best games in SEC play. Kentucky didn't have anyone go off for 20 points, but a whole bunch of different players filled up the box score. This is what makes this Kentucky team so dangerous. 

What next? 

Kentucky will head down to Auburn to play the Tigers in Neville Arena. This game will be played at 6:00 pm et and can be found on ESPN. 

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