Takeaways from Kentucky's win over the Georgia Bulldogs

What can we take away from Kentucky's win over Georgia?

Author:
Andrew Stefaniak
Updated:
Jan 20, 2024 9:35 PM EST
Original:
Jan 20, 2024

In this story:

Kentucky Wildcats

Georgia Bulldogs

The Kentucky Wildcats took down the Georgia Bulldogs 105-96 in Rupp Arena to improve to 4-1 in SEC play.

Kentucky led by 28 points at one point in the second half, but a late push by the Bulldogs made this game closer than it should have been.

While Coach John Calipari will surely be upset by the late Georgia run, the Cats got the win in front of a rowdy Rupp Arena crowd going 2-0 this week.

What can we take away from Kentucky's 105-96 win over the Georgia Bulldogs?

Big Z is free and looked great

Jan 20, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Zvonimir Ivisic (44) catches a pass during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports — © Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

We found out this afternoon that the NCAA had cleared Zvonimir Ivisic, and he made his debut against the Georgia Bulldogs. Ivisic had 13 points to go with five rebounds, two assists, three blocks, and two steals. He looks like an athletic freak who definitely will be an NBA player. Obviously, he has some things to clean up, but Ivisic looks incredible, and when he is back in basketball shape, he could be a massive part of a deep NCAA Tournament run.

DJ Wagner has arrived

Jan 20, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard D.J. Wagner (21) congratulates forward Zvonimir Ivisic (44) during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports — © Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

DJ Wagner looked great in this game, collecting his first collegiate double-double. Wagner had 18 points and ten assists in this ball game. Tre Mitchell and Antonio Reeves were both great, but that has become expected. Wagner, during SEC play, has looked great, and that continued in the win over the Bulldogs. Wagner is one of the best freshmen point guards in all of college hoops.

That late run can't happen

Jan 20, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Georgia Bulldogs center Russel Tchewa (54) goes to the basket against Kentucky Wildcats forward Ugonna Onyenso (33) during the first half at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky was up by 28 late in this game, but the Bulldogs went on a late run to cut this game all the way down to nine points. Kentucky was able to get the win, which was great, but imagine if Kentucky was only up 18 points when Georgia made their run. It would have been scary. You can't let a team make a run late, or it could hurt you in March, but a win is a win, and going 2-0 this week was massive for Kentucky.