Kentucky suffers beatdown at the hands of Gonzaga; still searching for first signature win

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Kentucky basketball suffered its worst loss of the Mark Pope era in a 94–59 defeat to Gonzaga inside Bridgestone Arena on Friday night. The Wildcats found themselves down 19 before making their first field goal.

There were not many positives to take away from this one for Kentucky. The offense once again struggled from three-point range, finishing just 21% from behind the arc. It was also the second straight game in which Kentucky was outrebounded by 10 or more. Otega Oweh was the Wildcats’ leading scorer with 16 points.

The Gonzaga frontcourt was a major reason it was a long night for Kentucky. Graham Ike and Braden Huff combined for 48 points for the Bulldogs. As a team, Gonzaga posted shooting splits of 57.1% from the field, 50% from three, and 81.3% from the free-throw line.

Kentucky now falls to 5–4 on the season and sits at a collective –63 against its four quality opponents. The Wildcats will return to Rupp Arena on Tuesday to take on North Carolina Central (No. 329 in NET). Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.