KSR's top takeaways from Kentucky's 58-point drumming of Monmouth

That may have been the most fun game of the Kenny Brooks era at Kentucky.

On Thursday, not only did the Cats beat Monmouth and beat them good, they beat them down to a pulp. Kentucky was already up by 20 following the first quarter, and by the end of the night, they had crossed the century mark for the first time since 2017, winning 104-46.

There’s a lot to talk about from this one, so let’s dive into KSR’s top takeaways from the night.

Lexi Blue just had her best game as a Kentucky Wildcat

The main talking point of the night is Lexi Blue, who just had her best game of her collegiate career.

After struggling to find her footing and her spot in the rotation for practically all of last season, she shook off any of that uncertainty regarding her playing abilities against Monmouth. The 6-foot-2 sophomore went 6-7 from three-point range, making her first six as she erupted for 18 points.

It was incredible to watch, and surely, it was even more incredible for her to do. She deserves a night like she had on Thursday after all of the ups and downs she’s been through in her time in Lexington.

Way to stay persistent shooting the ball, Hassett and Boone

It wasn’t totally just the Lexi Blue show, however. After a 1-8 from deep outing against Morehead State for Asia Boone and an 0-5 start from deep against Monmouth for Amelia Hassett, it was refreshing to see those two continue to trust in themselves and let it fly.

Boone was red-hot against the Hawks, shooting 5-8 (4-6 3PT) from the field as she put up 14 points on the night. Like she did against Morehead State, she did some of the other things really well tell, like recording four assists and two steals as well.

As for Hassett, she would end the game with 17 points on 6-11 (3-8 3PT) shooting, while grabbing seven boards and dishing out two dimes. They both had rough starts to their seasons from three-point range, but they turned that around against Monmouth.

Kentucky’s defense might be elite — no — ELITE this year

Last year, Kentucky was the best shot-blocking team in the country. The crazy part? They may be an even better defensive team this year.

The Cats are currently averaging 10 blocks per game after recording 12 on Monday and eight on Thursday, and it isn’t just the blocks. At the end of the first quarter, Kentucky led 24-4. Four. That was a free throw and a three. Imagine if that three missed and Monmouth only had one first-quarter point.

Clearly, Kentucky’s length and unorthodox style of play defensively allows them to be very disruptive on that end of the floor. If you’re going to drive to the hoop, good luck trying to score over two 6-foot-5 giants. Seriously though, this team has the potential to be super special if they can carry on the momentum from tonight through the rest of the season.