Kentucky 76-57 Troy: NCAA Tournament First Round Recap (March 21, 2025)

The Kentucky Wildcats opened their 2025 NCAA Tournament run with a dominant 76-57 victory over the Troy Trojans in the first round, asserting their superiority from the start and cruising to a relatively easy win. The Wildcats displayed their usual blend of tough defense, powerful rebounding, and efficient offense, sending a statement to the rest of the field that they are ready to make a deep run in the tournament.

In a game that was never truly in doubt, Kentucky showcased their depth, skill, and championship pedigree. The victory marked their entry into the second round, where they will now face the winner of another first-round matchup. With a team full of NBA-caliber talent and a roster built for the long haul, Kentucky’s impressive performance against Troy sent a message that they are one of the top contenders for the national title this year.

Game Recap

From the opening tip-off, Kentucky took control of the game, never allowing Troy to mount any serious challenge. With the Wildcats’ strong defense and high-powered offense, Troy was forced into difficult shots and struggled to find any rhythm offensively. The game was largely decided in the first half, as Kentucky jumped out to a commanding lead and never looked back.

In the first 20 minutes of play, Kentucky outscored Troy 42-26, with a well-balanced offensive attack that saw contributions from multiple players. The Wildcats were especially dominant in the paint, where Oscar Tshiebwe made his presence felt, grabbing key rebounds and finishing with authority at the rim. Kentucky’s defense was also on full display in the opening half, as they limited Troy to just 34% shooting from the field, forcing them into multiple turnovers and contested shots.

The second half saw a more competitive effort from Troy, but Kentucky’s lead was too large to overcome. While the Trojans showed brief flashes of offensive execution, Kentucky’s depth and overall talent were too much to handle. By the time the final buzzer sounded, Kentucky had secured a comfortable 76-57 victory, advancing to the second round of the tournament.

Key Performances

Oscar Tshiebwe – Kentucky Wildcats

Oscar Tshiebwe was the standout player of the game, turning in a dominant performance on both ends of the floor. The reigning National Player of the Year was unstoppable in the post, finishing with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Tshiebwe was a force on the boards, grabbing key offensive and defensive rebounds to limit Troy’s second-chance opportunities. His presence in the paint made life difficult for the Trojans, as they struggled to match up with the 6’9″ center. Tshiebwe’s ability to control the game on both ends made him the difference-maker in this contest.

In addition to his scoring and rebounding, Tshiebwe was also a key factor in Kentucky’s defensive schemes, using his size and strength to disrupt Troy’s offense. His shot-blocking and ability to contest shots near the rim were instrumental in Kentucky’s defensive effort, as they held Troy to just 57 points. Tshiebwe’s all-around performance was a perfect reminder of why he is considered one of the best players in the country.

Cason Wallace – Kentucky Wildcats

Cason Wallace, the dynamic freshman guard, also turned in an impressive performance for Kentucky. Wallace contributed 14 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds, showcasing his well-rounded game. His ability to run the offense and facilitate for his teammates was crucial, especially when Troy showed signs of trying to fight back in the second half.

Wallace’s defense was also notable, as he consistently pressured Troy’s ball handlers, forcing turnovers and disrupting their offensive flow. His quickness and ability to make plays on both ends of the floor have made him one of the most promising young players in college basketball this season. As Kentucky looks to continue their tournament run, Wallace will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in their success.

Jacob Toppin – Kentucky Wildcats

Jacob Toppin, the senior forward, had a solid outing as well, contributing 12 points and 5 rebounds. Toppin’s athleticism and versatility allowed him to be a mismatch for Troy’s defense, as he was able to score both in transition and in the half-court offense. Toppin’s performance was especially important in the first half when Kentucky built their lead, as he scored several key buckets and provided energy for the Wildcats.

Toppin’s leadership and experience were evident as he played a key role in Kentucky’s defense, particularly in guarding Troy’s shooters. His ability to score in a variety of ways adds another weapon to Kentucky’s arsenal as they move forward in the tournament.

Troy’s Best Performer: Zay Williams

While Troy couldn’t match Kentucky’s firepower, Zay Williams had a strong individual performance. The junior guard led the Trojans with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Williams showed glimpses of potential as a scoring threat, knocking down a couple of three-pointers and finishing at the rim. However, his efforts were not enough to overcome the Wildcats’ superior talent and depth.

Williams did his best to keep Troy in the game, but with Kentucky’s defense locking down the rest of the team and forcing them into tough shots, Troy couldn’t find consistent offense. While Williams’ performance was commendable, it ultimately wasn’t enough to lift his team past the Wildcats in this matchup.

Team Stats Breakdown

Kentucky Wildcats:
- Points: 76
- Field Goals Made: 28-55 (50.9%)
- Three-Point Field Goals Made: 6-15 (40%)
- Free Throws Made: 14-18 (77.8%)
- Rebounds: 42 (14 Offensive, 28 Defensive)
- Assists: 19
- Turnovers: 12
- Blocks: 5
Troy Trojans:
- Points: 57
- Field Goals Made: 22-54 (40.7%)
- Three-Point Field Goals Made: 6-18 (33.3%)
- Free Throws Made: 7-9 (77.8%)
- Rebounds: 34 (8 Offensive, 26 Defensive)
- Assists: 12
- Turnovers: 15
- Blocks: 3

What’s Next for Kentucky?

With the win over Troy, Kentucky now looks ahead to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where they will face a tough opponent who has shown the ability to pull off upsets. Kentucky’s performance in the first round shows that they are ready for the challenge, with contributions coming from all areas of the court. Their defense is one of the best in the country, and with the offensive firepower they have, it’s clear that they have the potential to make a deep run in this year’s tournament.

For John Calipari and his squad, the focus will shift to maintaining their high level of play, particularly in key moments. While they enjoyed a relatively easy first-round win, the competition will get tougher as they advance. However, with Oscar Tshiebwe continuing to dominate inside, and the emergence of players like Cason Wallace and Jacob Toppin, Kentucky is primed to make a serious push toward the Final Four.

Kentucky’s success in this game sets the stage for their next challenge. With their sights set on a national title, they’ll need to continue playing with the same intensity and focus that led to their victory over Troy. As they prepare for their next opponent, the Wildcats are just one step closer to achieving their ultimate goal of cutting down the nets in April.