What were the standout performances in Kentucky’s first-round victory over Troy? How did the players’ contributions help secure the win? What is the significance of this victory for Kentucky in the context of their previous tournament performance? How is Kentucky’s roster different from last year’s team? How did both coaches, Mark Pope and Scott Cross, reflect on their teams’ performances? What dreams did Troy’s players express after participating in the NCAA tournament? What historical context surrounds Troy’s NCAA Tournament appearances? How did Kentucky manage to pull away in the game? How is Lamont Butler handling his shoulder injury while playing?
MILWAUKEE — Otega Oweh scored 20 points, Andrew Carr had 13 and third-seeded Kentucky beat Troy 76-57 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday. Oweh added eight assists and six rebounds, and Amari Williams grabbed 13 boards for Kentucky. Next up for the Wildcats (23-11) in the Midwest Region is the winner of Illinois versus Xavier. “It’s a big relief, winning that first game. The first game’s always tough,” Kentucky guard Lamont Butler said. “Now we’re moving on to the next game. We have to win that one and move on to the Sweet 16.” Kentucky also was a No. 3 seed last year when it lost 80-76 to 14th-seeded Oakland in the first round. But it has turned over its roster since that Oakland game, and it had no major issues against Troy this time around.
“For me, also, I’m fighting so hard to keep bringing myself back to not taking on the magnitude of the history of all the things that are just too big and all turn out to be distractions,” said Kentucky coach Mark Pope, who was hired last April. “I was really proud of our guys just being able to lose themselves in this moment. I thought they did a wonderful job of being fully present and understanding that this is everything we want.” Myles Rigsby scored 14 points for the Trojans (23-11), champions of the Sun Belt Conference. Tayton Conerway had 12. “We didn’t play our best basketball tonight but what they did the last three or four weeks is absolutely amazing,” Troy coach Scott Cross said. “We thought that we could do it. We believed we could do it. This is one of the best teams I’ve ever been a part of.” Despite the loss, Conerway said playing in the NCAA tourney fulfilled a dream. “This is the type of stuff you dream about in the driveway, now you’re actually under the big lights,” he said. The Sun Belt player of the year also praised Cross for recruiting him from the junior college ranks. “Not a lot of coaches gave me a chance,” Conerway said. “Coach Cross gave me a chance to let me come out here and show what I can do and I’ll always appreciate him for that.”
Takeaways
Troy: The Trojans made just their third appearance in the NCAA Tournament and first since 2017, when they were a 15 seed and lost to Duke 87-65. Troy first appeared in the tourney in 2003.
Kentucky: The Wildcats have made more appearances (63) and played more games (186) in the NCAA Tournament than any other program, with eight national titles, their last in 2012.
Key moment
Kentucky had a 25-24 lead with 3:03 left in the first half when it started to pull away, scoring eight consecutive points in a little more than a minute. Trent Noah and Carr made back-to-back 3-pointers, and Williams drove the length of the court for a dunk.
Playing with pain
Butler logged 25 minutes while continuing to deal with a shoulder injury. Butler, who failed to score, originally missed six games with the injury in mid-January. He suffered a separate injury in the same shoulder during Kentucky’s win over Oklahoma in the second round of the SEC tournament. “I got through the whole game. I’m grateful for that,” he said. “I was a little frustrated on the offensive side. I didn’t have my best game but I tried to impact the game in different ways.”
Oweh Scores 20 Points as Third-Seeded Kentucky Beats Troy 76-57 in NCAA Tournament
The NCAA Tournament is an annual rite of spring, filled with excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments. This year was no different as the Kentucky Wildcats, entering the tournament as a third seed, faced off against a resilient Troy Trojans team in the opening round. On this day, it was a perfect blend of talent and determination that led the Wildcats to an emphatic 76-57 victory, with sophomore forward Adisa Oweh leading the way thanks to a standout performance.
From the outset, the Wildcats established their defensive prowess, creating a number of turnovers that foreshadowed the outcome of the game. Coach John Calipari’s squad came into this matchup with high expectations, and they delivered right away with an energetic start. Oweh, whose season has been marked by significant growth, demonstrated his ability to step up in big moments. His offensive execution was on full display, netting 20 points on an efficient shooting night, going 8-of-11 from the field and hitting a crucial pair of three-pointers that electrified the Rupp Arena crowd.
Oweh’s performance not only showcased his scoring ability but also his versatility. He displayed a remarkable aptitude for getting to the rim, finishing with ease against Troy’s interior defense while also stepping out to hit key shots from outside. The combination of his point total along with his five rebounds and two assists underlined his all-around contributions that proved invaluable to his team’s success.
Troy, despite being the lower seed, entered the tournament with a significant amount of momentum. They were determined to prove that they belonged on the biggest stage of college basketball. The Trojans came out strong, countering with solid play early on, particularly from their star player, who managed to keep their offense afloat. However, as the first half progressed, it became increasingly evident that Kentucky was simply too much to handle.
As the Wildcats locked in defensively, limiting Troy’s offensive options, Kentucky began to stretch their lead. Oweh was at the center of this run, blocking shots and forcing turnovers that ignited fast breaks. The Wildcats outscored the Trojans 18-3 in fast-break points, exemplifying their ability to transition quickly and effectively from defense to offense. Oweh was often involved, whether finishing plays or finding teammates in advantageous positions.
As the first half wound down, the Wildcats built a 15-point lead, bolstered by a balanced offensive distribution that made it difficult for Troy to focus on stopping a single player. With Oweh commanding attention on the perimeter, opportunities opened up for other scorers like Kellan Grady and Oscar Tshiebwe, who each contributed significantly to the collective effort.
In the second half, Troy made a valiant push, attempting to claw their way back into the game. Their defensive adjustments and increased intensity on that end of the floor led to a better rhythm in the early minutes of the second half. However, Oweh was clearly not ready to let the game slip away. With a couple of timely baskets that silenced the Trojan crowd, he reassured his teammates and the fans of Kentucky’s rhythm.
The Wildcats relied on their depth, with multiple players stepping up alongside Oweh. Grady provided a consistent scoring outlet with his shooting, while Tshiebwe dominated the paint with 14 rebounds and 12 points, recording yet another double-double to add to his impressive season statistics. It was this complete team effort that has become a hallmark of Calipari’s coaching tenure, showcasing a blend of offensive firepower and defensive grit.
In the closing moments, the Wildcats took control and sealed their victory with strong free-throw shooting and disciplined ball movement. As the final buzzer neared, the Kentucky bench erupted, knowing they had taken their first step toward what they hope will be a deep tournament run.
Oweh, celebrated by his teammates, acknowledged the victory but also the work still to come. "We came in knowing that we had to take care of business," he said in a post-game interview, clearly reflecting the mindset of a team eager for success in March. "Troy gave it their all, but we focused on executing our game plan, and I’m proud of how we handled the pressure."
For Kentucky, the win served as a powerful reminder of their talent and resolve. As the Wildcats move forward in the tournament, they will rely on Oweh’s scoring, leadership, and confidence as crucial components of their quest for another national championship. Fans are excited to see what this young team is capable of in the upcoming rounds as they move one step closer to their goal—lifting the NCAA trophy once again.
In the NCAA Tournament, the third-seeded Kentucky team secured a solid victory against Troy with a final score of 76-57. Oweh contributed significantly to the win by scoring 20 points, helping to lead his team to the next round. The game showcased Kentucky’s strong performance, highlighting their offensive capabilities and defensive efforts. Overall, it was a decisive showing for the Wildcats as they advanced in the tournament.