UK's Michael Kidd-Gilchrist averages more points, rebounds and shoots a higher percentage vs. Cats' big-name opponents.
LEXINGTON, Ky. - Kentucky freshman Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has made his name with his energy and a motor that never stops. He always seems to come up with the loose balls and crucial rebounds. But he's carved out another niche as a big-game performer.
The bigger the game, the better Kidd-Gilchrist has played, going back to the second game of the season against Kansas: 12 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks.
Against North Carolina: 17 points, 11 rebounds.
At Indiana: 18 points, 9 rebounds.
Who could forget MKG's performance against arch rival Louisville: 24 points, 19 rebounds.
Tuesday night against No. 8 Florida: 13 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists.
Kidd-Gilchrist averages 12.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and shoots 47.9% from the floor on the season. In those five games against the Jayhawks, Tar Heels, Hoosiers, Cardinals and Gators; MKG's points (16.8) , rebounds (12.2) and shooting percentage (54.5%) were all greater than his season average. He connected on 30 of his 55 shots against those opponents.
UK coach John Calipari chalks it up to MKG's fierce competitive nature.
