Kentucky outlasts Bellarmine to wrap up their non-conference slate

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — The Kentucky Wildcats defeated in-state foe Bellarmine Knights 99–85 inside Rupp Arena on Tuesday afternoon. The win wraps up Kentucky’s non-conference slate on a four-game winning streak.

Kentucky held out point guard Jaland Lowe (shoulder) from Tuesday’s win. Jayden Quaintance (ACL recovery) was also limited, playing just seven minutes. Forward Brandon Garrison left the game with a knee injury, though head coach Mark Pope was optimistic, saying it was just a “tweak.”

The Kentucky offense turned in its best shooting performance of the season from beyond the arc. The Wildcats shot 16-of-30 (53%) from three-point range, with three players knocking down three or more triples.

Kam Williams was the star of the game for the Wildcats, scoring 26 points while shooting 8-of-10 (80%) from three-point range. That mark is tied for the best three-point percentage by a Kentucky player with at least 10 attempts in school history, matching Jamal Murray’s performance in 2016.

Mo Dioubate added 20 points of his own, along with five rebounds, three blocks, and two steals. Otega Oweh continued his streak of scoring in double figures in every win this season, finishing with 10 points. He also grabbed eight rebounds and dished out 10 assists in the victory.

Kentucky finishes non-conference play at 9–4 and will have 11 days off before returning to the court. The Wildcats open SEC play on January 3 on the road against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Tip-off is set for noon, with the game televised on ESPN.