Kentucky basketball blows out Illinois State in final tuneup for SEC play

Kentucky Wildcats dominate Illinois State in 96-70 win. Antonio Reeves scores 27 points. Team faces Florida next in SEC opener.

The Kentucky Wildcats returned from their longest layoff of the season with an impressive 96-70 victory over Illinois State in Rupp Arena. The Wildcats maintained a double-digit advantage for the final 25 minutes of the game, leading by as many as 28 points against the overmatched Redbirds.

The victory marked UK's first game since their win against Louisville on December 21, and it was clear that the holiday break did not slow them down. The Wildcats now have another eight days until their SEC opener at Florida, which is expected to be their toughest environment so far.

Antonio Reeves led the way for Kentucky with 27 points, showcasing an impressive performance against his old team. Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham also made significant contributions off the bench, with Sheppard tallying 11 points, five rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and two steals, and Dillingham adding 16 points, seven assists, and three steals. D.J. Wagner joined them in double figures with 14 points.

Despite facing a shorthanded lineup with Adou Thiero sidelined due to general soreness and Zvonimir Ivisic yet to return to the team after the holiday break, the Wildcats displayed a dominant performance. They outscored Illinois State 26-10 in the first half, with Sheppard making a significant impact before returning to the bench to a warm ovation from the sold-out Rupp Arena crowd.

Kentucky's impressive shooting performance, with 36-for-63 (57.1%) from the field, and their solid ball movement, with 23 assists and only six turnovers, demonstrated their prowess on the court. The Wildcats now have another week off before their SEC opener against Florida, a game that is expected to be a tough task for the team.

Florida, ranked 33rd nationally in the KenPom ratings, has been a competitive opponent in the SEC. Kentucky will face a formidable challenge in their upcoming game, but they have shown resilience and strength in their recent performances. The Wildcats have won four consecutive games and nine of the last 10 in their series against Florida, and they have emerged victorious in their last five trips to Gainesville.

Overall, Kentucky's impressive victory over Illinois State and their strong performance throughout the season indicate a promising outlook for the team as they head into SEC play. With their recent success and determination, the Wildcats are prepared to face the challenges that await them in the upcoming games.