Malik Monk set a school freshman record for scoring in a game with 47 points.
For what started out as the most speculated game of the week, the Kentucky-North Carolina matchup lived up to the hype.
From Malik Monk’s freshman school record 47-point night to De’Aaron Fox notching 22-10 double double of points and rebounds while logging just two turnovers, the historic matchup was one for the books.
In two halves of a shootout, Kentucky prevailed in the end with a 103-100 win over the Tar Heels.
When the Kentucky freshman single game scoring record is brought to attention, names like DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis, John Wall, Eric Bledsoe, Brandon Knight, Karl Anthony-Towns, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Tyler Ulis and Jamal Murray would fill most minds.
However, Saturday night eclipsed the record of 35 points held by both Murray and Terrance Jones (both whom played under John Calipari).
Monk started out the game with eight of the team’s 10 points in the opening minutes. He finished the first half with 27.
To start the second half he didn’t see as many looks, but down the stretch, the Wildcats looked to their guy as he closed out the game with eight of Kentucky’s final 10 points.
His game winning three point shot with 19 seconds left came in the face of a UNC defender, as most of his other makes came.
Monk was highly efficient in his record night, shooting 64% on 18-28 shots, including 8-12 from behind the arc and 3-5 from the free throw line.
The 47 points also match Dan Issel for sixth all-time in school single-game scoring records by any age.
Watch this post game interview with Malik Monk and smile ear to ear. #BBN pic.twitter.com/e2s0WxpfYX
— Scott Charlton (@Scott_Charlton) December 18, 2016
Fellow freshman whom Monk splits the backcourt with, De’Aaron Fox, scored 20 points on 9-21 shooting while also adding 10 assists with just two turnovers. Four of Fox’s assists contributed to Monk’s 47 points, including the game winning 3-pointer on the left wing.
Re-live the epic win through the eyes of Kentucky Wildcats TV:
Calipari now holds a 5-2 series edge over Roy Williams.
The Wildcats will return to Lexington victorious, where they’ll have three days rest until they travel to their arch rival Louisville on December 21st. The game will tip off at 7 P.M. EDT and will be aired on ESPN.
Here are the final box score and updated season stats following the game:
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