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LONDON — Headed into a tight game against Michigan at the O2 Arena, No. 19 Kentucky needed a spark. So the Cats, naturally, turned to a player who almost always seems to make good things happen.
While most believe the player in question will defend National Player of the Year Oscar Tshibwe. However, that player on Sunday was newcomer Cason Wallace.
Kentucky took a 37-36 halftime lead against Michigan, but the Cats started the second half with an 8-1 run. All eight of Wallace’s points came on a pair of three-point baskets and a jump shot. The Cats suddenly found themselves with their largest lead of the game to that point, 45-37.
Michigan, however, would not go away. The Wolverines trailed 49-42 when they put together an 8-0 run to take a 50-49 lead with 12:42 to play.
Late in the game, with the Cats leading 68-66 and needing a basket, it was Wallace who passed again. This time, he connected on his fourth three-pointer of the game (in four attempts) to extend UK’s lead to 71-66 with 1:11 left.
Despite missing a number of free throws down the stretch, the Cats held on for a 73-69 win. Wallace and Jacob Toppin each had 14 points to lead the Cats. Wallace added eight rebounds and five assists in the victory.
Oscar Schiebewe had another double-double for the Cats, with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Sahaveer Wheeler had 11 points and seven assists, while Antonio Reeves scored 11 for the Cats.
In the first half, Kentucky took an 11–8 lead on an Antonio Reaves three, but Michigan responded with nine straight points to take a 17–11 lead with 13:19 to play in the half. The Cats responded with six in a row, including a desperation three by Sahaveer Wheeler to mark 1,000.m career point.
Michigan would go up five on a three by Isaiah Barnes but Kentucky closed the half strong. Tshiebwe had a basket, followed by a Reaves three and two Tshiebwe free throws to give the Cats a 36-34 lead. UK would take a 37-36 lead into the break.
Kentucky returns to the court on Saturday by hosting Yale at Rupp Arena. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. and the game can be seen on the SEC Network.
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