The No. 19 Kentucky Wildcats couldn’t have scripted a better ending to their 2024-25 regular season. On Saturday, they traveled to Columbia, Missouri, and secured an impressive 91-83 road win over No. 15 Missouri. The victory improved Kentucky’s record to 21-10 overall and 10-8 in the SEC, solidifying their momentum heading into the SEC Tournament.
Four Wildcats scored in double figures, with Otega Oweh leading the charge. Oweh dropped 22 points, while Koby Brea added 17, highlighted by clutch three-point shooting. Andrew Carr was a dominant force, recording a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Amari Williams chipped in 14 points and eight rebounds. The team shot an efficient 48.2% from the field and connected on 11 of 20 attempts from beyond the arc.
The game began with a defensive struggle as both teams struggled to find their offensive rhythm. Missouri jumped out to an early 11-4 lead, but Kentucky responded with a 14-2 run fueled by excellent ball movement and perimeter shooting. Brea, Trent Noah, and Travis Perry each drained key three-pointers in the first half, while Carr and Williams dominated the paint. By halftime, the Wildcats held a 38-29 lead, limiting Missouri to just 35.5% shooting.
Kentucky carried that momentum into the second half, extending their lead to as many as 16 points behind Collin Chandler’s scoring burst. However, Missouri wasn’t ready to back down. The Tigers mounted a 10-0 run to cut the deficit to just five points with under eight minutes remaining. Kentucky responded with composure, answering with a 6-0 run of their own to rebuild the cushion. Key defensive stops and a late dunk by Brea sealed the deal, ensuring the Wildcats left Mizzou Arena victorious.
The win was a testament to Kentucky’s balanced attack and ability to handle adversity. Mark Pope’s squad now turns its attention to the SEC Tournament in Nashville, where they’ve locked up a single-bye and can finish as high as the No. 5 seed, depending on other results.
With momentum on their side and the regular season in the books, Kentucky is poised for a strong postseason run. Big Blue Nation will undoubtedly be ready to cheer their Wildcats through March Madness.
