In a wild finish in Baton Rouge, freshman sensation Malachi Moreno proved why he's one of the most exciting young talents in college basketball.
With the score tied at 74 and the clock winding down, Otega Oweh drove the lane and put up a contested jumper that caromed off the rim. But the 7-foot Moreno, showing incredible timing and athleticism, soared above the LSU defenders to tip the ball in just as the buzzer sounded.
The Final Sequence
Kentucky had possession with 12 seconds remaining after a controversial no-call on the previous possession. Coach Mark Pope drew up a play for Oweh, who had been stellar all night with 22 points.
"We wanted to get Otega going downhill," Pope said in the postgame press conference. "But when I saw Malachi crash the boards like that, I knew we had a chance. That's just pure instinct and talent."
Moreno's Coming Out Party
The Georgetown, Kentucky native finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds, his third double-double of the season. But it was that final play that will be remembered.
"I just knew I had to get to the glass," Moreno said. "Coach always tells me, 'Be where the ball is going to be.' I saw Otega's shot go up and I just reacted."
What This Means for Kentucky
The win improves Kentucky to 13-4 overall and 3-2 in SEC play. More importantly, it gives the Wildcats a signature road victory as they navigate a brutal January schedule.
Up next: a home showdown with No. 4 Alabama on Saturday at Rupp Arena.
Final Score: Kentucky 75, LSU 74