Takeaways: Kentucky’s 78-77 Win Against Northern Arizona Came Down to the Final Seconds
A difficult night at Rupp Arena
Kentucky entered Friday’s game needing a lift after its loss to Kansas in the Champions Classic. The Wildcats built a lead of as many as 13 points in the first half, using turnovers and shooting 62 percent, but Northern Arizona made late shots to trim the margin to eight at halftime.
The Lumberjacks surged after the break, scoring 11 straight points during a five-minute Kentucky drought to take a 51-49 lead with 13:35 remaining. Northern Arizona stayed close for the rest of the game, eventually moving ahead by four with 18 seconds to play.
Wilkins delivers the late shot
Kentucky scored with 13.9 seconds left to cut the deficit to two. Northern Arizona then missed a free throw, but the rebound slipped out of Malachi Moreno’s hands, giving the ball back to the Lumberjacks with nine seconds remaining.
Alex Wilkins hit a three-pointer to put Kentucky ahead late. The Wildcats held on for the 78-77 win, avoiding a damaging loss as they look ahead to Indiana next Friday.
Defensive problems remain
The comeback did little to ease concerns about Kentucky’s play over the past two games. Northern Arizona repeatedly answered the Wildcats’ runs, and Kentucky struggled to defend the paint when its big players were switched onto opponents.
Northern Arizona scored 26 points in the paint and had a 32-20 rebounding advantage, including 11 second-chance points. The Lumberjacks also scored eight points off turnovers, while their guards made important shots late.
Key points
- Kentucky beat Northern Arizona 78-77 after trailing late in the second half.
- Alex Wilkins hit the three-pointer that gave Kentucky a late lead.
- Northern Arizona led by four with 18 seconds remaining.
- Kentucky’s paint defense and rebounding were major concerns.