No. 11 UCLA Upsets Top-Ranked Kentucky, 97-92
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Freshman guard Malik Monk scored 24 points, including four-of-eight from three-point range, but top-ranked Kentucky fell to UCLA 97-92 on Saturday at Rupp Arena.
In a battle of the two programs with the most NCAA Tournament championships all-time, Kentucky had four players in double figures. However, UCLA had six players in double figures in the contest and that balanced scoring effort was enough to secure the victory.
The game was close throughout the first half, but the Bruins closed the half on a 12-4 run, capped by a three-pointer by Lonzo Ball, to take a 49-45 lead at the half. And in the second half, UCLA picked up where it left off, outscoring Kentucky 11-2 to start the second half, opening a 60-47 lead in the process.
Kentucky (7-1) fought back in the second half behind Monk, who scored 15 of his points after the break. However, the Wildcats were never able to get even with the Bruins, who shot 53 percent from the field in the game, compared to just 41.3 percent shooting for Kentucky.
The Wildcats got a double-double from Bam Adebayo, who had 18 points and 13 rebounds. Freshman point guard De’Aaron Fox had 20 points and nine assists, while sophomore guard Isaiah Briscoe had 12 points.
Isaac Hamilton led UCLA (9-0) with 19 points, while T.J. Leaf had 17 points and 13 rebounds.
Kentucky returns to action on Wednesday night, facing Valparaiso at Rupp Arena. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET and the game can be seen on the SEC Network.
