Sophomore guard Collin Chandler played a significant role in Kentucky’s impressive 94-78 victory over Oklahoma, showcasing his shooting prowess by hitting four of eight attempts from beyond the arc. With a season average of 40.4 percent from three-point range, Chandler leads the team with 42 successful three-pointers out of 104 attempts. He contributed 18 points, three rebounds, and three assists during the game, reflecting his growing consistency as a player. Since starting Southeastern Conference play with two losses, UK has rebounded strongly to hold a record of 7-1.
Chandler is currently the third-leading scorer for the Wildcats, averaging 9.4 points per game while also contributing 3.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists. Kentucky assistant coach Jason Hart praised Chandler, emphasizing his commitment to coach Mark Pope’s system and how he has developed by staying with the team instead of transferring. “He’s grown and matured. He’s been on this long mission for two years and he’s got his legs back under him,” Hart stated, highlighting the positive trajectory of Chandler’s performance.
Despite his individual success, Chandler remains humble, attributing much of his progress to improved team dynamics. “I just feel like I’ve been getting to spots where I’m comfortable,” he noted, referring to the team’s growing understanding of their offensive strategy. However, he expressed frustration over Oklahoma’s strong second-half shooting, which allowed them to cut into Kentucky’s lead. “It was demoralizing a little bit even though we were winning by a lot,” he admitted.
Nevertheless, the overall outlook for the Kentucky Wildcats is optimistic. Chandler believes the team is clicking offensively much better than earlier in the season, which saw losses to Alabama and Missouri. “I think more things are clicking for us, offensively,” he remarked. His recognition of the team’s progress and ability to identify what works best positions Kentucky for future success as they continue to navigate the season.