The No. 5 Kentucky Wildcats secured a 78-67 victory over the Colgate Raiders, but it wasn’t the smooth performance many expected. The Wildcats were tested throughout the game by a relentless Colgate squad that refused to back down, making the contest closer than the scoreline suggests.
From the start, Kentucky struggled to impose their usual dominance. While they managed to build an early lead thanks to a strong inside presence and a few well-timed three-pointers, Colgate matched their energy with disciplined ball movement and sharp shooting from beyond the arc. The Raiders’ scrappy defense forced Kentucky into uncharacteristic turnovers, keeping the game within reach.
In the second half, Kentucky tried to pull away, but Colgate repeatedly clawed back, cutting the lead to single digits multiple times. Kentucky’s star players stepped up in key moments, with a dominant performance from their leading scorer, who finished with 20+ points. However, their inconsistent shooting and lapses in defense allowed Colgate to stay competitive until the final minutes.
Colgate’s resilience was on full display, as their guard duo combined for 30 points, including clutch threes that kept the pressure on Kentucky. Despite being outmatched in size and depth, the Raiders showed tremendous heart, exposing some weaknesses in the Wildcats’ game.
Ultimately, Kentucky’s superior talent and late-game execution sealed the win, but it was far from a comfortable victory. Head coach John Calipari acknowledged the team’s struggles postgame, emphasizing the need for consistency and sharper focus.
While Kentucky secured the win, the gritty performance from Colgate raised questions about the Wildcats’ ability to maintain composure against determined opponents. With tougher challenges ahead, Kentucky will need to iron out their inconsistencies to live up to their top-five ranking.
