In a display of basketball prowess that had Rupp Arena rocking, La Familia put on a clinic against the 305 Ballers in The Basketball Tournament (TBT) action Saturday night. The home team, riding the energy of a boisterous crowd, dismantled their opponents 82-56 in a game that was never truly in doubt.
From the opening tip, La Familia’s game plan was clear: attack early, defend relentlessly, and let their depth wear down the opposition. It worked to perfection.
Kerem Kanter, the former Xavier standout, dominated the paint with a double-double performance that would make his brother Enes proud. Kanter poured in a game-high 21 points and pulled down 12 rebounds, bullying his way through the Ballers’ interior defense.
But this wasn’t a one-man show. La Familia’s roster, stacked with former Kentucky stars, showcased the kind of balanced attack that would make John Calipari grin. Eric Bledsoe, looking like he hasn’t lost a step since his NBA days, dished out five assists to go with his 13 points. Andrew Harrison, cool as ever at the charity stripe, went a perfect 7-for-10 on free throws en route to 11 points.
The Harrison family reunion continued with Aaron chipping in 13 points, while Nate Sestina added 12 of his own. Willie Cauley-Stein, ever the rim protector, swatted away three shots and grabbed six boards, anchoring a defense that suffocated the Ballers all night.
The 305 Ballers, to their credit, showed flashes of life. Isaiah Reese led their charge with 14 points and five rebounds, while Sherif Gross contributed 11 points. But against La Familia’s defensive stranglehold, which held them to a paltry 34.4% from the field, the Ballers’ offense sputtered more often than it soared.
Even as the Ballers mounted a last-gasp 7-0 run during the Elam Ending, La Familia’s lead proved insurmountable. Brennan Canada, with ice in his veins, sealed the deal at the free-throw line, sending the Freedom Hall faithful into a frenzy.
The stat sheet tells the tale of La Familia’s dominance. They outshot the Ballers 43.9% to 34.4% from the field and owned the glass with a 45-32 rebounding edge. It was a complete team effort that has to have TBT opponents taking notice.
As the tournament progresses, La Familia has sent a clear message: They’re not just here to compete – they’re here to win it all. And with performances like this, who’s to say they won’t?