Box score, MVP, and Twitter reactions to Kentucky’s loss to Alabama

Posted by author February 23, 2025 Basketball

The Kentucky Wildcats took a trip to Tuscaloosa for a marquee matchup with the Alabama Crimson Tide. Heading into T-town shorthanded, the Cats fought hard but couldn’t get over the hump, falling 96-83.

To start off the game, the BBN had to be ecstatic as the Cats played nearly perfectly. Andrew Carr and Koby Brea scored at will, and they had the Tide on their heels.

Unfortunately, that is when the first punch came from Alabama.

As Mark Pope started his substitution pattern, Nate Oats’ squad did not stop punching, eventually nailing a knockout punch in the final 10 minutes of the half and taking a seven-point lead into the locker room, 47-40.

Despite the awful end to the first half, the Cats came out in the second half and fought, keeping the score within 5-7 points for the majority of the time. However, the depth was really tested tonight as foul trouble reared its head for this short-handed Kentucky team.

Ultimately, the Alabama offense was too much, as the Tide cruised to victory to stop a two-game skid.

With four games remaining, the Cats’ attention will now turn to a date with Oklahoma in what feels like a must-win game going down the stretch.

Time to regroup.

Box Score

Game MVP

Tonight’s MVP was a pretty easy choice as Amari Williams continues to show his dominance in SEC play.

He finished with 17 points on 5-9 shooting. He also added 11 rebounds, six assists, a steal, and a block.

After some up-and-down play to start the year, Williams has played himself into being one of the most effective big men in the country. It is obvious how important he is to this Kentucky team as he heads down the stretch and heads into March. If the Cats hope to make some noise, it will seemingly be led by Williams’s play.

Also, a shoutout to Andrew Carr, who seems to be back to 100% from the back injury. That is also a good sign heading into March.

Kentucky vs. Alabama Twitter Reactions

[insert tweet where you complain about ESPN not staggering tip times.]

— Adam Luckett (@AdamLuckettKSR) February 22, 2025

Andrew Carr is already up to eight points on 3-5 shooting in the first five minutes

First Alabama matchup was the low point of the season for him and he’s come out looking to make a statement here in Tuscaloosa

— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) February 22, 2025

Just too long in between buckets for Kentucky. Have to find a way to get it rolling against offensively or this will turn in to a blowout in a hurry.

Alabama’s offense won’t wait for you.

Danger zone heading into the half. Find a way to stop the bleeding and cut the deficit!

— Brandon Ramsey (@BRamseyKSR) February 22, 2025

Why has Amari Williams sat out seven minutes of the first half (so far) with zero fouls?

— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) February 22, 2025

Kentucky’s Transition Defense and Free Throw shooting has been poor tonight

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) February 23, 2025

Mark Sears gets the whistle of a 10-time NBA All-Star

— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) February 23, 2025

The final score won’t reflect it but Kentucky had some chances in this game. Just too many mistakes, bad turnovers, and bad fouls.

— Chris Fisher (@ChrisFisher247) February 23, 2025

Travis Perry has improved so much since the beginning of the season. So much.

— Daniel Hager (@DanielHagerKSR) February 23, 2025

Weird decision for Alabama fans to chant USA! at Kentucky center Amari Williams because he’s from England when Alabama’s own center, Clifford Omoruyi, is originally from Nigeria. ‍♂️

— bigbluehistory (@bigbluehistory) February 23, 2025

Koby Brea’s 20 points are his most since scoring a season-high 23 points vs. Florida in the SEC opener.

— TheCatsPause247 (@TheCatsPause247) February 23, 2025

Kentucky had opportunities to be in that game. However, when missing your second & third leading scorers + your backup point guard (and your leading scorer scores two points) you aren’t supposed to have a chance to win.

On to the next one. Kick the can down the road.

— Brandon Ramsey (@BRamseyKSR) February 23, 2025

Would like to see Alabama and Kentucky with UK’s full roster – They were down 3 with Butler and Robinson but not having Oweh hurt down the stretch as well. Had some ticky tack fouls called on him IMO

— Keith Taylor (@keithtaylor21) February 23, 2025

Aside from having a downhill driver and a lockdown defender, the area where Kentucky misses Lamont Butler the most is just getting organized. Way too sloppy offensively.

— Chris Fisher (@ChrisFisher247) February 23, 2025

‘Like’ our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. And as always, Go Cats!!!