3 Players Who Won Kentucky the Game in Tough Environment vs Texas Tech

College basketball is thrilling in 2020, in part due to the parity across the sport. Kentucky vs. Texas Tech was an especially close and intense game, with the Wildcats grinding out the victory by a mere two points in overtime. Here are the three players who were key to helping Kentucky steal the win.

3. Ashton Hagans

Hagans' defense was of utmost importance to the Wildcats' win / Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Even though Hagans played the most minutes on the team, his stats certainly do not jump out of the page. While Hagans posted 6 points and 3 rebounds, he was most important with his pinpoint passing (7 assists, out of the team's 12 total) and his incredible defense (3 steals, half of his team's total). Hagans' style of play may not always translate to the box score, but he most definitely balled out against Texas Tech.

2. Immanuel Quickley

Quickley's play vs. Texas Tech was imperative to his team's win. / John E. Moore III/Getty Images

Quickley had a spectacular game for Kentucky, shooting 4-of-8 from beyond the arc (including one absolutely amazing shot from half-court) and 3-of-4 from the free throw line against an incredible Texas Tech defense. Quickley can score from anywhere on the floor, which makes him a nightmare matchup.

1. Nick Richards

Nick Richards had an incredible performance against Texas Tech. / John E. Moore III/Getty Images

The interior presence of Richards has been huge for the Wildcats all season, and was especially crucial against the Texas Tech team. Richards put up 25 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks on 7-10 shooting and 11-14 from the charity stripe. His efficiency on offense and timely rejections on defense were huge for the Wildcats' squad in their dub over last year's NCAA Tournament runner up Texas Tech.