Despite not making a single 3-pointer, Kentucky was able to hold on for a 78-73 victory over Davidson in first round action in the South Region.
The Wildcats missed all six of their attempts from beyond the arc, which ended the team’s streak of 1,047 consecutive games with a made 3-pointer.
Kentucky made up for its lack of outside shooting by going 26 of 32 from the free-throw line and grabbing a 36-20 advantage in points in the paint.
Kevin Knox led the way with 25 points on 8-of-16 shooting, while fellow freshman Shai Gilgeous-Alexander filled the stat sheet with 19 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.
Davidson was paced by Jon Axel Gudmundsson, who scored 21 points and went 6 of 11 from 3-point range.
Bob McKillop’s team knocked down 11 shots from long distance, but couldn’t get enough stops down the stretch to pick up the win.
Kentucky will advance to take on the winner of the 4/13 matchup between Arizona and Buffalo.