Photo Courtesy of University of Kentucky Athletics
#2 Kentucky staved off an upset on Sunday afternoon, defeating #10 Wichita State 65-62.
Something about NCAA Tournament Second Round games between these teams. #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/d03z29san3
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) March 19, 2017
The Wildcats had a two-point lead after a competitive and low-scoring first half, as the Shockers hung around in the second to keep things entertaining.
In the final minute of the game, Malik Monk secured the victory for Kentucky, rejecting Markis McDuffie’s three-point attempt twice.
BLOCKED. MONK. #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/YingSlBX3F
— Spark Sports (@Spark_Sports_) March 19, 2017
BLOCKED. AGAIN. KENTUCKY. WINS. pic.twitter.com/K1Lyimpo1F
— Spark Sports (@Spark_Sports_) March 19, 2017
Not only did Monk make two huge blocks in the closing seconds of the match, but he also scored 14 points to surpass Jamal Murray for the program’s freshman season scoring record with 721 points.
Five of Malik Monk’s 14 points came in the last 2:10 today as he edged one point past Jamal Murray for the UK freshman season scoring record pic.twitter.com/7Hs0EfoSqd
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) March 19, 2017
Landry Shamet scored 20 points to lead Wichita State.
With the victory, Kentucky advances to the Sweet 16 to take on the winner of the #3 UCLA or #6 Cincinnati matchup next Friday in Memphis, Tennessee in the South Regional.
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Follow Arthur Puu on Twitter: @arthurpuu
