Kentucky Freshman Moreno Matches Rare UK Stat Line

Malachi Moreno joins Karl-Anthony Towns in exclusive club despite injury

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Kentucky Basketball freshman big man Malachi Moreno finished with 8 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a steal in Kentucky's 72-63 win over South Carolina, matching a stat line no Kentucky freshman has achieved in an SEC true road game since Karl-Anthony Towns did it nearly 11 years ago.

Why it matters

Moreno's historic performance comes at a pivotal moment for Kentucky as they push towards March and the NCAA Tournament, where the 6-foot-11 freshman will need to be a key contributor for the Wildcats' frontcourt.

The details

Moreno's stat line of 8 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a steal is the same feat that former Kentucky star Karl-Anthony Towns accomplished in a 71-69 win at LSU on Feb. 10, 2015. Head coach Mark Pope said Moreno is working back to full health after battling injury, and his effort reflected the toughness the Wildcats needed to snap their three-game losing streak.

  • Kentucky defeated South Carolina 72-63 on Tuesday night.

The players

Malachi Moreno

A 6-foot-11 freshman big man for the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team.

Karl-Anthony Towns

A former Kentucky Wildcats basketball player who accomplished the same stat line as Moreno nearly 11 years ago.

Mark Pope

The head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“He's dealing with a, he's working his body back into some health. He's dealing with some situations. He was really important for us tonight. He always is.”

— Mark Pope, Head Coach (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

As Kentucky pushes towards March and the NCAA Tournament, Moreno will need to continue being a key contributor for the Wildcats' frontcourt if they want to make a deep run.

The takeaway

Malachi Moreno's historic performance against South Carolina, matching a rare stat line achieved by former Kentucky star Karl-Anthony Towns, demonstrates the freshman's maturity and importance to the Wildcats as they aim for postseason success.