Robert Morris Colonials travel to #10 Kentucky for Wildcats home opener of 2021 College Basketball Season!
The Kentucky vs Robert Morris basketball game was a home opener to tipoff the 2021 college basketball season in Rupp Arena. A total of 18,454 fans packed into the newly renovated Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY to see UK bball back in action.
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There were several key differences in the Wildcats vs the game against Duke, however one thing remained constant — OscarTshiebwe! During the media days prior to the 2021 college basketball season, he made a big statement that he wanted to average 20 rebounds per game. That was a loft goal, even for a highly touted recruit such as himself. If it hasn’t been done in UK basketball program history, then it’s going to take someone special to be the first!
In the last 48 years, there have only been three Wildcats who have been able to achieve double-digit rebounding averages, much less going for 20 per contest. Those players are Anthony Davis, Julius Randle, and Kenny Walker.
In the contest against Duke, who has a huge lineup, the West Virgina transfer, Oscar Tshiebwe, would set a record for most rebounds in a game as a Wildcat player making their debut. That number was 20 rebounds. In the Kentucky vs Robert Morris basketball game,Tshiebwe had 19 rebounds with less than five minutes left to play. He wasn’t done for the night though, he admitted he asked Coach Cal to bring him back in the game. With 2:58 left to play, Oscar blocked a shot and grab his record-tying 20th rebound.
How long can he keep up the 20-rebound per game average, only time will tell but he’s keeping his word thus far!
Game Final Score
The University of Kentucky vs Robert Morris basketball final game score was 100-60. This was a chance for the Wildcats to get some redemption after the season opening loss to Duke, and they certainly put on a show for the home crowd.
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Recap
The Kentucky Wildcats would reach the 100-point mark for the first time since 2017 with their new high-tempo offense this season. UK was able to convert at its highest rate since the 2016 season, scoring 1.449 points per possession.
Kentucky would outrebound the Robert Morris squad 43-24, with Oscar Tshiebwe pulling down nearly half of the boards himself. This allowed the Wildcats a total of 18 second-chance points in the game.
After missing a ton of shots in the game against Duke, resulting in only 37.7% from the field, Kentucky shot a blazing 57.1% in this game. Moreover, they were absolutely lights-out from the three-point line! From behind the arc, they would connect on 12 of 23 from 3-point range, which is the equivalent of 52.2%. Altogether, they would connect on 40 of 70 shots from the floor.
Six of Kentucky’s players would finish the game in double figures scoring. Allen was pushing the limit himself with 8 points on the night and a couple of threes. The only starter who didn’t finish in double digits scoring, Wheeler added 11 assists in the matchup even though we saw he can finish too in the Duke contest.
Tshiebwe is on pace to average a double-double, albeit early in the season, if he can keep up the pace! He pulled down 20 rebounds and 14 points. Kellan Grady was the other MVP on the night, having a game-high 19 points, connecting on four 3-pointers for the night. Daimion Collins put the Top 10 Hightlights on notice. He had several huge dunks, and even more impressive 7 of 8 for 14 points. Familiar Wildcats, Davion Mintz and Keion Brooks Jr. added 13 points of their own. Meanwhile, sharp-shooting TyTy Washington is still looking to get settled in the new program, however added 10 points of his own.
Box Score
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Highlights Video:
Full Game Highlights
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