Mandatory credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Photo credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Kentucky basketball team we’ve been waiting to see is finally here. The Wildcats’ six-game losing streak is ancient history. John Calipari’s Cats have now won three games in a row thanks to a full effort by the team in Gainesville, defeating Florida 76-58 on Keion Brooks’ return to the court.
Little was expected of the sensational second year on his return to hardwood. Brooks quickly proved that he did not miss the pace of the injury, receiving a lob in the transition to a dunk on his first play in the game.
Allow me to reintroduce myself.
My name is @ KeionB_12.
? @ESPN – https://t.co/7t5H7g8CUU pic.twitter.com/OKJVo8gcYy
– Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) January 9, 2021
This was not his only dunk of the day.
We missed it. Very.
? @ESPN – https://t.co/7t5H7g8CUU pic.twitter.com/sIgslYXcSJ
– Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) January 9, 2021
In his first game since scoring 10 points in Gainesville last March, Brooks played 24 minutes, ending with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.
Brooks was not the only Wildcat playing at an incredibly high level. Each player contributed to the team’s victory, mainly in defense, scoring 25 points in 15 Gator spins. The flood of losses led to a 10-0 run in the UK at the start of the second half. Kentucky ended the game with a 13-0 streak starting in the 11th minute, with a six-point possession that featured three from Davion Mintz and Devin Askew.
Four players scored double digits for the Wildcats, including BJ Boston. The fallen sniper guard changed his hairstyle, brought a jump to the wood and buried his first three-point basket in a game since December 12. He ended the night with 13 points, tied by a time-high with Mintz.
Kentucky completely and completely dominated Florida for its best win of the season. Kentucky basketball is fun again and they are not going to slow down anytime soon.