Atlanta, December 21, 2025

The Kentucky Wildcats defeated the St. John’s Red Storm 78-66 at the CBS Sports Classic held in Atlanta. After a challenging first half, Kentucky surged in the second half, outscoring St. John’s 53-34. This victory marks Kentucky’s third consecutive win and their first against a ranked opponent this season, improving their record to 8-4. Key players included Otega Oweh with 20 points and Jayden Quaintance, who made a strong season debut. St. John’s, struggling in the second half, now holds a 7-4 record.

Detroit, MI – Kentucky Wildcats Overcome St. John’s Red Storm 78-66 in CBS Sports Classic

In an electrifying matchup at the CBS Sports Classic in Atlanta, the Kentucky Wildcats showcased their resolve by rallying in the second half to defeat the No. 22 St. John’s Red Storm 78-66 on December 20, 2025. This victory marks a significant turning point for Kentucky, giving them their third consecutive win and their first triumph over a ranked opponent this season.

Second Half Surge

After trailing by seven points at halftime, the Wildcats came out with newfound intensity, amplifying both their defensive pressure and offensive execution in the second half. The Wildcats outscored the Red Storm 53-34 following the break, highlighted by a formidable 14-0 run that saw St. John’s holding their breath for nearly nine minutes without a made field goal. This animated display of defense allowed Kentucky to seize control of the game and secure their victory.

Key Performances

Otega Oweh proved to be a force for the Wildcats, leading the team with 20 points, which was integral to the team’s offensive resurgence. A promising addition was Jayden Quaintance, who made a triumphant season debut after recovering from an ACL injury, contributing 10 points and eight rebounds. Additionally, Jaland Lowe flashed his skills off the bench with 13 points and three assists, while Kam Williams added 11 points, including two crucial three-pointers during the decisive run. The Wildcats’ domination on the boards was further underscored by Malachi Moreno, who recorded eight points and a team-high nine rebounds.

St. John’s Struggles

Despite a promising start, St. John’s experienced difficulties maintaining their initial momentum through the second half. The Red Storm managed only four field goals in the first 17 minutes after halftime, which opened the door for Kentucky to close the gap and ultimately take the lead. Bryce Hopkins led the charge for St. John’s with 13 points and three steals, while Zuby Ejiofor added 12 points, five rebounds, and two blocks. Joson Sanon had a perfect performance from the free-throw line, scoring all of his 12 points from there.

Historical Context

This contest marked the first meeting between Kentucky and St. John’s since 2016, a matchup that added an additional layer of intrigue given the participation of former Kentucky head coach Rick Pitino, who now leads the St. John’s program. Pitino, who famously guided Kentucky to a national championship in 1996, brings rich history and emotion to this rivalry.

Looking Ahead

With this win, Kentucky improves their record to 8-4 on the season and looks to extend their winning streak as they prepare for their final game of the 2025 calendar year against Bellarmine on December 23. On the other hand, St. John’s sits at 7-4 and will aim to regroup as they prepare for their upcoming game against Harvard on the same day.

Key Game Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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