Kentucky Rallies, but Falls to Ohio State

Jamal Murray scored 33 points, but a Kentucky rally fell short as the Wildcats lost to Ohio State 74-67 on Saturday in the CBS Sports Classic in Brooklyn.

Kentucky trailed by 16 points, 55-39, with 11:24 to go before Murray led the ‘Cats back. In the second half alone, Murray drained seven three-point shots on his way to 27 second-half points. 

With 4:10 to go in the game, Kentucky’s Alex Poythress hit a three-pointer from the wing to get the Wildcats within three at 63-60. But Kentucky could get no closer, despite having multiple opportunities to do so.

Kentucky struggled from the field in the first half, hitting just 11-of-36 from the floor for 30.6 percent. That allowed Ohio State to take a 37-25 lead into the break.

However, the ‘Cats hit 14-of-27 (51.9 percent) in the second half, enabling the rally.

Marcus Lee had 12 points and nine rebounds for Kentucky (9-2), while Tyler Ulis added 11 points and seven assists.

Keita Bates-Diop had 14 points for Ohio State (6-5), while Marc Loving had 12 and JaQuan Lyle added 11.

Murray’s 33 points were a season-high for the freshman from Ontario.

Kentucky returns to action on Saturday, Dec. 26 when they face intrastate rival Louisville at noon in Rupp Arena.