Written by Logan Fields
Kentucky moved to 2-0 on the season after a 77-52 win over Duquesne at Rupp Arena.
Led by leading scorer Antonio Reeves, who added 18 points on 5 of 9 shooting, Kentucky handled the Dukes with a final score of 77-52.
Kentucky did not quite reach Calipari’s target of 25 threes a game, instead only shooting only 19. Even while not hitting the target, the team made 11 of those attempts. Five different players had a make from 3 point land, proving that this team has a wide variety of players that can score from range.
Ugonna Onyenso has become a fan favorite quickly, coming just one point short of a double-double in only 19 minutes of action, adding three blocks and many more altered shots to that list. Coach Keith Dambrot added, “That kid is going to make a lot of money.”, due to his talent, play, and NBA build. Calipari added that Ugonna has been ‘Wow!’, due to his impressive play with such little time with the team and his ability to learn things quickly.
In his season debut, Sahvir Wheeler had an impressive showing tonight, getting 11 points and 11 assists, with a plus/minus of 32 points to lead the team. He even added 6 rebounds and some tough defensive play.
Kentucky did have an issue with turnovers tonight, tallying 15 total with a few occurring 75 feet from the basket when Duquesne applied full-court pressure. Issues like that will need to be corrected before major non-conference games and league play.
Duquesne head coach Keith Dambrot added that this team is not a team you would not like to get into a ‘Kentucky Derby’ type of game with. This team has explosive players and the ability to put up points if their opponent is sloppy with the ball and doesn’t have solid possessions.
Sophomore Daimion Collins was absent due to going back to Texas, but Calipari added he will return with the team after his late father’s funeral. The team is traveling to Texas on Saturday to be with Daimion during the funeral proceedings.
Calipari also adds that Oscar’s status for next week’s pivotal games is still up in the air, dependent upon how his knee feels at game time.
