Basketball has returned to the Bluegrass!
The Blue-White Game isn’t exactly live competition. Still, it’s always a welcome sight to see the Kentucky Wildcats men’s and women’s basketball teams in their
final dress rehearsal before exhibition games begin.
The event took place inside Historic Memorial Coliseum and featured action from both squads. The Big Blue Nation got its first real chance to see how the pieces are going to fit together for Kenny Brooks and Mark Pope.
The UK Women’s hoops team will add several new pieces while relying on the returning production of key contributors from last season’s team. You can only assume that they’ll have a chip on their shoulder after suffering a frustrating loss to Kansas State in the second round a year ago. Clara Strack and her frontcourt counterparts showed just how dangerous this team can be.
Starters for tonight’s Men’s Blue-White Game:
WHITE: Lowe, Chandler, Williams, Dioubate, and Garrison
BLUE: Oweh, Noah, Aberdeen, Moreno, and Johnson
The blue team got off to a hot start, fueled by the sharp-shooting of Trent Noah and Jasper Johnson. They’d drain an impressive 5-8 from deep and would lead 26-14 after the first segment. This must have prompted the insertion of an Elam ending with the target score being set at 34.
Some sloppy play was present after the break, but ultimately, Blue was too much to handle, winning 35-26.
Things got a bit scary after Jaland Lowe and Otega Oweh got tangled up, resulting in Lowe leaving the game with a right shoulder injury. Unfortunately, this took some air out of the building. Hopefully, it was just minor, and he’ll be fine to suit up against #1 Purdue next Friday.
Box Score
MVP
Jasper Johnson really shined under the lights in his first competitive action in front of a crowd while wearing a Kentucky uniform. The freshman showed his ability to score the ball at all three levels and looked comfortable with the ball in his hands on offense. Fans were treated to a first-hand look at his sweet lefty stroke. Jasper Johnson playing at an elite level could be what sets this team over the top. When the Kentucky native is cooking, just get out of his way and let him work.
Clara Strack led the way for the UK Women. It takes about two minutes of watching the Cats play to understand that Strack is elite on both ends of the floor. Her size and touch are rare traits to pair together. She could be poised for an SECPOY run.
