In a thrilling regular-season finale on March 8, 2025, the No. 19 Kentucky Wildcats secured a 91-83 victory over the No. 15 Missouri Tigers at Mizzou Arena. This win improved Kentucky’s record to 21-10 overall and 10-8 in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), earning them the sixth seed in the upcoming SEC Tournament.
The Wildcats showcased a balanced offensive attack, with Otega Oweh leading the charge by scoring 20 of his 22 points in the second half. Andrew Carr contributed a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Koby Brea added 17 points, and Amari Williams chipped in 14 points along with eight rebounds. Notably, Kentucky demonstrated exceptional accuracy from beyond the arc, converting 11 of 20 three-point attempts (55%), and maintained a strong presence at the free-throw line, hitting 26 of 33 attempts (78.8%).
Defensively, Kentucky capitalized on Missouri’s struggles, particularly after Tigers’ guard Tony Perkins exited the game due to injury with 10:02 remaining in the second half. Despite a brief 10-0 run by Missouri that narrowed the gap to 66-61, the Wildcats responded with resilience, pulling away in the final minutes to secure the win.
This victory not only solidified Kentucky’s position in the SEC standings but also underscored the team’s adaptability and depth, especially in the absence of second-leading scorer Jaxson Robinson, who was sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a wrist injury. The Wildcats’ performance sets a positive tone as they head into the SEC Tournament, where they will face the winner of the Georgia Bulldogs vs. Oklahoma Sooners matchup on Thursday evening.
In summary, Kentucky’s disciplined and cohesive play against Missouri highlights their potential for a deep run in the postseason, reflecting the team’s growth and resilience under the guidance of Coach Mark Pope.
