In a significant upset at the CBS Sports Classic held at Madison Square Garden on December 21, 2024, the unranked Ohio State Buckeyes triumphed over the No. 4 Kentucky Wildcats with a decisive 85-65 victory.
Game Overview
Ohio State established control early, leading 39-30 at halftime. Their offensive efficiency was evident as they shot 63% from the field in the first half, a testament to their well-executed game plan.
Kentucky, known for its high-scoring offense under first-year coach Mark Pope, struggled to find rhythm. The Wildcats shot just 30% from the field and a mere 18% from beyond the arc, making only 4 of 22 three-point attempts. A particularly challenging stretch occurred in the second half when they went six minutes without a field goal, hindering any potential comeback.
Key Performances
Ohio State’s sophomore guard Bruce Thornton delivered a standout performance, scoring a career-high 30 points. Freshman guard John Mobley Jr. contributed significantly with 15 points, showcasing the Buckeyes’ depth and talent. Notably, Aaron Bradshaw, a former Kentucky player, added 11 points against his previous team, marking his return to the court after a month-long absence.
For Kentucky, junior guard Otega Oweh led the scoring with 21 points, primarily from free throws, as he went 13-for-13 from the line. Andrew Carr added 13 points, but the Wildcats’ overall offensive struggles overshadowed individual contributions.
Historical Context
This defeat marks Kentucky’s third consecutive loss to Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic, with previous losses in 2015 and 2019. The Wildcats now hold a 5-6 record in the event and remain winless against the Buckeyes within this showcase.
Implications and Reactions
The loss brings Kentucky’s season record to 10-2, signaling potential vulnerabilities as they approach Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. Coach Mark Pope will likely focus on addressing the team’s shooting inefficiencies and defensive lapses observed during this matchup. The Wildcats’ next game is scheduled for New Year’s Eve against Brown, providing an opportunity to regroup before entering conference play.
On social media, fans and analysts expressed concerns over Kentucky’s performance, highlighting issues such as poor shooting, defensive weaknesses, and lack of ball movement. These critiques underscore the need for adjustments as the Wildcats progress through the season.
Conclusion
Ohio State’s convincing victory over a top-ranked opponent like Kentucky serves as a testament to their potential and resilience, especially following a substantial loss to Auburn in their previous game. For Kentucky, this game exposes areas requiring improvement, particularly in shooting consistency and defensive execution, as they prepare for the challenges of conference play ahead.
