Kentucky defeats Bellarmine 99-85

Bellarmine Falls Short at Rupp Arena, Kentucky Notches Impressive Win

In a highly anticipated non-conference matchup, the University of Kentucky men's basketball team dominated the Bellarmine Knights 99-85 on Wednesday night at Rupp Arena.

The Wildcats came out strong in the first half, building a 46-38 lead at the break. Despite the deficit, Bellarmine refused to back down, but Kentucky's balanced attack and stifling defense proved too much for the visitors to handle. The largest lead of the game was 18 points, showcasing the significant advantage Kentucky enjoyed throughout.

Kam Williams led the charge for Kentucky with a stellar performance, scoring 26 points on 8-of-10 three-point shooting (80.0% FG). Otega Oweh chipped in with 10 assists and 10 rebounds, making him a well-rounded force in the Wildcats' victory.

For Bellarmine, Jack Karasinski scored 24 points but struggled from beyond the arc, going just 3-of-5. Michael Wilson Jr. led the Knights on the glass with five rebounds, while Kenyon Goodin added 11 assists.

The statistics tell a story of dominance for Kentucky, who shot an efficient 59.0% from the field and held their own at the free throw line (71.0%). The Wildcats' ability to control the pace of the game was evident in their high assist totals (24) and minimal turnovers (10). On the other hand, Bellarmine struggled with accuracy, particularly from three-point range, where they shot just 37.0%.

This win marks a significant milestone for Kentucky, as they showcased their depth and resilience on the road against a formidable opponent. The Wildcats' success is all the more impressive given that Bellarmine has been one of the top teams in the NCAA tournament's non-conference schedule.

While the loss stings for Bellarmine, it's an opportunity for the Knights to learn from this experience and grow as a team. For Kentucky, this victory solidifies their standing as a contender in college basketball, especially when they're playing at home.

Final Box Score

Kentucky (HOME) 99

Bellarmine (AWAY) 85