March Madness 2018: Gilgeous-Alexander leads Kentucky past Buffalo, into Sweet 16

Kaylee Pofahl

March Madness 2018: Gilgeous-Alexander leads Kentucky past Buffalo, into Sweet 16 image

Kentucky fans would likely shudder at the thought of a Wildcats roster that didn't include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. 

The Hamilton, Ont., native led Kentucky with 27 points while shooting 10-of-12 from the field in the Wildcats' 95-75 win over University of Buffalo on Saturday. The victory booked the Wildcats a ticket to the Sweet 16 for the second year in a row. 

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It will be Kentucky's seventh trip to the Sweet 16 in its last eight appearances in the NCAA Tournament. Gilgeous-Alexander is the first freshman with 25 points, six rebounds and six assists in an NCAA Tournament game since 2004, the other play to assemble those numbers Wake Forest's Chris Paul.

Gilgeous-Alexander's skills have been on display since the start of March Madness. The standout freshman helped the Wildcats to an opening round win against Davidson on Thursday with another versatile performance. 

A four star recruit, Gilgeous-Alexander didn't begin the season a starter on the young Kentucky squad. But after a back injury sidelined Quade Green, Gilgeous-Alexander was thrust into a starting role, and has parlayed that opportunity into a regular job.

Live March Madness scores, highlights from Saturday's NCAA Tournament games

While he was Kentucky's second-leading scorer in its opening round victory, he produced an even better performance in the Round of 32, including helping Kentucky out to a half time lead while going a perfect 6-for-6 from the field.

Offensively, Gilgeous-Alexander has been a terror to guard through two tournament games, using his crafty ball skills and 7-foot wingspan to get to the basket while avoiding would-be defenders.

Kentucky will now face the winner of University of Maryland, Baltimore-County and Kansas State (Sunday, 7:45 pm ET) in the next round of the tournament, to be played Thursday. 

Kaylee Pofahl