Recap
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Kentucky Wildcats Roar Past St. John's Red Storm with Second Half Surge at State Farm Arena

The Kentucky Wildcats improved their record to 78-66 in a commanding performance against the St. John's Red Storm, who now stand at 66-78. The game took place at the State Farm Arena, where the Wildcats showcased their resilience and depth.


Dec 20, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Brandon Garrison (10) shoots against the St. John Red Storm in the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

First Half


The first half saw a tightly contested battle as both teams vied for control. The Wildcats struggled initially, trailing behind with only 25 points compared to the Red Storm's 32. Otega Oweh was instrumental in keeping Kentucky competitive, contributing significantly with his scoring prowess and defensive efforts.


Second Half


In the second half, Kentucky turned up the heat with an impressive offensive display that left St. John's scrambling to keep pace. The Big Blue outscored their opponents by a substantial margin, adding 53 points to their tally while limiting St. John's to just 34 points in this period.


Dec 20, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Kentucky Wildcats center Malachi Moreno (24) dunks against the St. John Red Storm in the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Jayden Quaintance emerged as a key player for Kentucky during this phase of play, dominating both ends of the court and helping his team secure crucial rebounds and blocks that shifted momentum decisively in favor of the Wildcats.


Key Plays


A pivotal moment came when Jaland Lowe sank a crucial three-pointer that ignited an unanswered run for Kentucky, extending their lead significantly over St. John’s Red Storm highlights from this match included strategic plays that capitalized on turnovers forced by aggressive defense.


Dec 20, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; St. John Red Storm guard Lefteris Liotopoulos (31) defends Kentucky Wildcats guard Jasper Johnson (2) in the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Despite valiant efforts from St. John’s players like Jayden Quaintance who tried to rally his team back into contention through consistent shooting accuracy and defensive tenacity; it was not enough against Kentucky's relentless drive towards victory.


Post-Game Reaction


In what went wrong for Kentucky Wildcats initially seemed rectified post-halftime adjustments made by coaching staff which proved effective according Coach Calipari’s post-game reaction emphasizing teamwork cohesion throughout second-half surge leading them past formidable opponent such as ranked twenty-second nationally -St.Johns’RedStorm


Fans can look forward eagerly anticipating next matchup scheduled December twenty-third one PM Eastern Time Rupp Arena Lexington broadcast live SEC Network+ where they’ll face Bellarmine Knights home turf once again showcasing talent depth within roster aiming continue successful streak


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