Terriers Take On the Cats: Analyzing Wofford’s Upset Bid Against UK
In the world of college basketball, upsets are a dime a dozen. One team can be ravaged by injuries, while another can be riding high on a hot streak. However, not every upset is created equal. On Saturday, the Wofford Terriers, a mid-major team from Spartanburg, South Carolina, hatched a plan to take down the Kentucky Wildcats, a perennial power from the Southeastern Conference. In a game that had all the makings of an instant classic, Wofford emerged victorious, 62-56.
On the surface, the numbers seemed insurmountable. Kentucky was the 35th-ranked team in the country, boasting a roster stacked with top talent. Wofford, on the other hand, was an unranked mid-major, with a roster comprised of players who had no shortage of grit and determination, but lacked the depth and star power of their opponents. And yet, it was the Terriers who found a way to get the job done.
So, what makes this upset so notable? For starters, it marked Wofford’s first win over a ranked opponent under head coach Mike Young, in 17 tries. The Terriers’ last victory over a Top 25 team came in 2003, meaning that Saturday’s triumph was a major milestone for the program. Moreover, this marked just the 10th all-time win for Wofford over a Southeastern Conference foe, with the last one coming in 2004.
One of the keys to Wofford’s upset bid was its ability to neutralize Kentucky’s potent offense. The Wildcats entered the game averaging 85.6 points per contest, but the Terriers’ stingy defense held them to a season-low 56. On the other end, Wofford’s talented backcourt duo of Nathan Hoover and Storm Manuel combined for 34 points, more than half the team’s output.
The real hero, however, was the Terriers’ defense. Wofford’s scheme, designed by coach Young, allowed them to limit Kentucky’s high-powered offense to just 32.2% shooting from the field. The Wildcats, known for their lightning-quick offense, were slowed to a crawl, with both PJ Washington and Keldon Johnson combining for just 24 points on 9-of-25 shooting.
The Terriers’ success on defense was no fluke, either. Wofford has been one of the most stingy teams in the country this season, ranking among the top 20 in both scoring defense and field goal percentage defense. Their ability to slow down opposing offenses has been a recipe for success, with the team sporting a 12-4 record in games in which they hold opponents under 60 points.
In the end, Saturday’s win marked a major statement by the Wofford Terriers. While most predict a return to the ranks of the mid-majors for the Terriers, this impressive victory over the Kentucky Wildcats serves as a reminder that even the smallest of upsets can have a profound impact on the college basketball landscape. As Wofford celebrates its upset bid, the Terriers have earned a permanent spot in the NCAA Tournament, and have given their fans a dividend of memories that will last a lifetime.
In the words of coach Mike Young, "I don’t know how much excitement we can handle…I know how much these kids have worked all year, and to see them get recognized for their hard work, it’s a special feeling."
For the Wofford Terriers, the excitement has only just begun. With a major upset under their belt, the Terriers’ target on their back, they’ll look to carry their momentum into the NCAA Tournament, where they’ll be seeking to make an even bigger splash against the country’s best and brightest.
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