Kentucky Pulls Away to Beat James Madison

Kentucky outlasted James Madison 89-80 in Lexington on November 6, overcoming a closely contested game to remain unbeaten. The teams traded the lead 18 times and were tied five times before the Wildcats created separation in the second half with a 15-3 run, turning a 56-54 deficit into a 69-59 advantage with 10 minutes left.

No. 23 Kentucky got 16 points apiece from Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins. Diallo made seven of 11 shots and added three rebounds and two assists without a turnover. Justin McBride, a former James Madison player, scored 13 points; Mason Williams had 12 and Brayden Hawthorne added 10.

Milan Momcilovic, who had averaged 24 points per game, was held to seven. Kentucky made 10 three-pointers, including three by McBride, while James Madison hit 15 from beyond the arc on 45 attempts. The Dukes’ nine first-half three-pointers helped keep the game close.

James Madison’s leading scorer was Brandon Lee, who finished with 26 points. Garrett Sundra contributed 15 and Paul Jones III had 12. Kentucky forced six turnovers in the second half after forcing only one before halftime.

Kentucky, now 2-0, is scheduled to host Kansas on November 10. James Madison, which fell to 0-2, is set to visit Delaware on November 11.