RJ Barrett Makes History, Meanwhile Kentucky Jumps Back in The Saddle

All the basketball fans are focused on the NBA All-Star game in Charlotte. However, neglecting the NCAA last night would have been a huge mistake.

We witnessed one rare situation at Chapel Hill, where RJ Barrett posted a triple-double in Duke’s win over NC State. But that wasn’t all. More big-time things happened.

The No. 5 Kentucky Wildcats smashed No.1 Tennesse Volunteers handing them the first loss after 19 straight victories.

Barrett Enters History

Duke was more than convincing against the NC State Wolfpack, winning their 23rd game of the season. Even though Zion Williamson posted 32 points and dominated on the floor, all the attention after the game was pointed towards RJ Barrett, who accomplished what just a few before him did.

The freshman guard posted a triple-double, only the fourth in Duke’s history. With 23 points, 11 boards and 10 assists he became the first player after Shelden Williams in 2006 who had double figures in three columns.

“He’s very advanced,” coach Mike Krzyzewski said after the game. “He’s very young and he’s going to be here a very short time.”

The legendary coach explained to the reporters that Barrett’s game is on a high level because he always played with older generations.

“Playing up for the Canadian team, that’s helped. Remember, he came in early. He could’ve still been in high school. He’s a sensational kid and player.”

Barrett was short one assist of reaching a triple-double when the fans began warning him about the situation. In those moments, he didn’t have a clue that he is on the verge of history. And when he heard their update, there was another problem. The time. It was under one minute until the end, and he had to act fast.

Zion was positioned well under the rim, which made him a perfect target for another dime. Luckily for Barrett, his teammate scored a basket, along with a foul, doing him a big favor.

“Zion thankfully was able to catch the ball and finish,” Barrett said. “It really does help when you’re playing with great teammates who can make shots, finish down low.”

Barrett impressed last night with one more data last night. He didn’t have a single turnover for 37 minutes he spent on the floor. Amazing.

Kentucky Still Alive

According to many before the season started, Kentucky Wildcats were one of the few teams who might upset Duke on their way to the title this season. But after a 118-84 blowout in November and a few more losses, they slowly began to disappear from all the title talks.

An 86-69 win over the No.1 seed Tennessee is definitely going to propel them back into the center of attention. Wildcats players were shining after this contest, as they regained a part of the lost self-esteem.

“It shows everybody that we can still play with great teams in this league and also in the country,” PJ Washington said after the game. The 6-8 sophomore scored 23 points, and this game was his 8th straight in which he had 20 or more points.

It seems that the criticism of coach John Calipari after the loss against Louisiana State eventually affected his players. The veteran coach spoke about that at the press, saying that his team needed something like a defeat against LSU to happen in order to realize some things.

“I hit them right after the game with LSU and said, ‘Hey, that was a tough loss,”’ Calipari told to one of the reporters. “But you know, we needed it.”

The most important part of the whole match was the beginning of the second half. Kentucky was up 37-31 after the first 20 minutes, and they started strong the following period, making a 25-7 run. After that, it was all a routine.

Keldon Johnson added 19 points, while Tyler Hero had 15 but with a game-high 13 boards.

On the other side of the court, Jordan Bone with 19 and Admiral Schofield with 17 led the way for the surprisingly pale Volunteers. The guests allowed Wildcats’ to control and dominate the glass, with 13 boards more, 39-26.

Schofield admitted that his team got outplayed big tonight.

“Tonight, we weren’t Tennessee tough,” Schofield said. “Kentucky was totally kicking our butt, scoring the ball, defense, everything.”

Volunteers play against Vanderbilt this Tuesday night, at home.