Kentucky Basketball: Malik Monk By the Numbers

Kentucky Basketball: Malik Monk’s ridiculous night propelled the Cats over North Carolina. Looking at his season, by the numbers, shows Monk is in rare company

Dec 17, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) celebrates after the Wildcats defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels 103-100 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Malik Monk’s 47 points lifted the Wildcats over North Carolina, 103-100, during the CBS Sports Classic in T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Hitting two big 3-pointers down the stretch, Monk was clutch all night for the Cats. Let’s take a look at Monk’s night, by the numbers.

Monk had 27 first-half points, meaning the freshman sensation, while he’ll be remembered for being big down the stretch, was on his game from the opening tip. Those 27 points tied Jamal Murray for most points scored by a Kentucky player during the Calipari era.

Eleven games, 11 times Malik Monk has reached double-figure scoring for the Cats. It’s kind of hard to believe folks were worried over Monk’s shooting woes in the home opener in Rupp this season. That’s pretty much laughable now, as Monk has become the most consistent scorer, explosive enough to create his shot at will.

Monk became the eighth player during the Calipari era to score more than 30 points in a game.

Monk’s 47 points were (7 shy of) the most scored by a Wildcat since Jodie Meeks lit up the Tennessee Vols in Knoxville in 2009, arguably the singularly greatest night of the Billy Gillespie era. Few among BBN will ever forget Meeks mouthing “Fifty” as he made a free throw in Thompson-Bowling Arena. Priceless.

The performance against North Carolina also marked the seventh time Monk has scored more than 20 points in a game, to lead Kentucky.

As in tied for sixth place, with the legendary Dan Issel, for most points ever in a basketball game for the Cats. Issel did it in 1970, some 46 years prior to Monk’s historic night.

Monk is the only player to score more than 40 points during the Calipari era. Let that one sink in a moment. Not the great John Wall. Or Boogie. Not the smooth stroke of Jamal Murray. Not emerging NBA stars Anthony Davis or Karl Anthony-Towns.