Milan Momcilovic didn’t just play in his debut for No. 23 Kentucky last night, he absolutely went off, dropping a game-high 24 points on a ridiculously efficient 8-of-12 shooting. This Iowa State transfer wasted no time making his presence felt, draining 6 of 9 from beyond the arc as the Wildcats steamrolled Manhattan 85-57 in their season opener.
The Wildcat Offense Just Hit Different
You want a statement? Kentucky delivered. They pretty much put this game away in the first half, outscoring the Jaspers 41-10 in the final 13 minutes to take a commanding 48-22 lead into halftime. Seriously, 41-10! The bench players sparked a monster 13-0 run that included three straight triples, and the team hit seven 3-pointers during that decisive stretch alone. Momcilovic was leading the charge with 11 first-half points, showing everyone what was coming. Overall, Kentucky shot a red-hot 53% from the field and connected on 12 of 31 from deep. When they’re hitting shots like that, good luck stopping them.
Beyond the Buckets: Full Team Dominance
It wasn’t just Momcilovic’s personal highlight reel, though Zoom Diallo added 12 points and Alex Wilkins chipped in 11. This was a complete team effort. The Wildcats absolutely owned the boards, outrebounding Manhattan 40-26. Their bench contributed a solid 26 points, proving the depth is real, and they racked up 20 assists, showing everyone how well they’re sharing the rock. Manhattan, meanwhile, struggled to find any rhythm, shooting just 35% overall and a chilly 27% from three-point range. Coach Mark Pope has now secured his third straight season opener win, and Kentucky has won its fifth consecutive season opener. That’s a trend that’s gotta make you smile.
So, what’s next? Kentucky is staying home and will host James Madison on Friday night. After a debut like that, you know the fans are going to be absolutely buzzing to see what Momcilovic and this Wildcats squad can do next. Get ready!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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