Kentucky Wildcats Set New Record for Most Half-Court Shots Made in a Single Game, Defeat Rival Team by 50 Points
In what can only be described as a jaw-dropping performance, the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team etched their name in the record books last night with an astonishing display of skill and precision, setting a new record for the most half-court shots made in a single game. The Wildcats, led by an electric performance from senior guard Tyler Mason, defeated their long-standing rivals, the Louisville Cardinals, by an overwhelming 50-point margin, 112-62.
From the opening tip-off, it was clear that this would be no ordinary game. The Wildcats, known for their fast-paced offense and stifling defense, brought an extra element to their arsenal in this contest—an uncanny ability to drain shots from well beyond the three-point line, from the half-court stripe, and even beyond. Mason, who had been known for his incredible range all season, truly hit his stride, hitting four half-court shots during the first half alone.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Kentucky head coach John Calipari after the game. “We always talk about playing with confidence, but tonight, it felt like the basketball gods were on our side. To set a record like this is a testament to the hard work and dedication our players have put in. We pride ourselves on being a team that’s always prepared, but tonight, they were unstoppable.”
The first half was a spectacle of precision shooting, with the Wildcats taking a commanding 60-30 lead by halftime. It wasn’t just Mason making half-court shots; his teammates, including forwards James Thomas and Alex Reed, joined the frenzy, each hitting a pair of half-court shots in the opening 20 minutes. The crowd, which had packed Rupp Arena to capacity, was on its feet every time the ball left a player’s hands from the deep range, with fans holding their breath before erupting in joy as each shot sailed through the net.
“We were feeling it tonight,” said Mason. “I’ve never been in a rhythm like that. You’re just throwing it up there and hoping for the best, but when you’re in the zone, it’s like the hoop is as wide as the ocean.”
While the half-court shots were the talk of the game, the Wildcats’ defense was just as dominant. The Cardinals, who had come into the game with a high-powered offense, were suffocated from the very beginning. Kentucky’s defense forced 18 turnovers and held Louisville to just 35% shooting from the field. The Wildcats’ athleticism was on full display as they swarmed the ball, creating fast-break opportunities that left the Cardinals’ defense in shambles.
Louisville head coach Chris Mack struggled to find any positives in his team’s performance, acknowledging that the Wildcats simply outplayed them in every aspect. “We couldn’t match their intensity, and we couldn’t defend the three-point line, let alone half-court shots,” Mack said after the game. “They were hitting shots from everywhere. We had no answer.”
As the second half unfolded, Kentucky’s dominance continued. While the half-court shots slowed down slightly, the Wildcats’ offense was as efficient as ever. Freshman point guard Noah Green, who had been quietly effective throughout the season, also found his groove, contributing 14 points and 9 assists. His ability to set up teammates for easy looks in transition was a key factor in the blowout victory.
“Tonight was a complete team effort,” Green said. “We all fed off of each other’s energy. When you see someone like Tyler making shots from half-court, it gives the whole team a boost. We just wanted to keep it going and keep pushing the lead.”
By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Wildcats had set a new NCAA record with 12 successful half-court shots in a single game, breaking the previous mark of 9. The victory also marked Kentucky’s 20th win of the season, and it came at a crucial time, as the Wildcats are jockeying for position in the NCAA Tournament.
As for Mason, his performance will be remembered for years to come, not only for his scoring but for the sheer confidence he exhibited in taking those long-range shots. With his four half-court makes, Mason became the first player in NCAA history to hit more than three half-court shots in a single game.
“Tyler was on fire tonight,” said Calipari. “He was the definition of ‘player of the game.’ He was taking shots from places I’ve never seen him shoot before. It was like he couldn’t miss.”
Despite the dominant win, the Wildcats remained focused on the bigger picture—the upcoming postseason. With the SEC Tournament just around the corner, the Wildcats are looking to continue their momentum and carry this energy into March Madness. The players know that while this game was one for the history books, the real test will come when they face the best teams in the country on a neutral floor.
“We’re not satisfied with one win,” Mason said. “This is just one step. We know what’s ahead, and we need to keep working hard. But it’s definitely a fun one to look back on.”
As for Louisville, the Cardinals will need to regroup quickly before their own postseason journey begins. With their hopes of an NCAA Tournament bid hanging in the balance, they will look to bounce back in their final regular-season games and put this humbling defeat behind them.
For now, however, all eyes are on the Kentucky Wildcats, who have once again proven that when they get hot, they are nearly unstoppable. With their record-breaking performance, the Wildcats have sent a clear message to the rest of the NCAA: they’re a team to watch in the months ahead.
In a season full of highs and lows, this night in Rupp Arena will go down as one of the most extraordinary performances in the history of Kentucky basketball. The half-court shots, the explosive offense, and the suffocating defense all came together to create a moment that will
be remembered for years to come.
