Oakland’s Jack Gohlke goes off in first half vs. No. 3 Kentucky

Oakland’s Jack Gohlke put on a shooting display in the first half of Thursday’s NCAA Tournament game against Kentucky.

The No. 3 Wildcats went into the locker room firmly on upset watch, trailing 38-35 against the Golden Grizzlies. Gohlke had a lot to do with that. Oakland’s senior guard was 7-for-13 on three-pointers in the first half.

Gohlke’s final three of the half, which banked in off of the glass, even had one of the game’s officials impressed.

For reference, Gohlke’s seven made three-pointers were more than Kentucky and the rest of Oakland’s team combined for in the first half. The Wildcats made a trio of three-pointers, going 3-for-10, while the rest of the Golden Grizzlies were 2-for-7.

It was a dominant performance, which certainly caught the attention of NCAA Tournament fans.

The good news for Kentucky is that as well as Gohlke shot the ball, the Wildcats trailed by only three points at halftime. But for a program that hasn’t gotten beyond the second round since 2019, it’s a concern.

Gohlke entered Thursday’s game averaging 12.2 points per game on the season, while he shot 37% on threes. So, while the first half certainly exceeded what he’d done heading into Thursday’s game, Gohlke is a definite threat.