La Familia Overwhelms Stroh’s Squad 105–52 in TBT Opener; Ex‑Cats Seize Redemption
Kentucky alumni team La Familia made a resounding statement in The Basketball Tournament’s Lexington regional first round, dismantling Stroh’s Squad 105–52 on Friday night at Memorial Coliseum. Bolstered by a roster stacked with former Wildcats, La Familia stormed out to a 24–11 first-quarter lead and never looked back (A Sea Of Blue).
🔥 Early Dominance & Unmatched Depth
From tip-off, La Familia asserted its superiority. The opening frame featured standout three-point shooting, highlighted by Archie Goodwin’s deep ball within 10 seconds of the whistle. Their 24–11 start was fueled by intensity and cohesion, with early contributions from Andrew Harrison and other alumni setting the tone (A Sea Of Blue).
By the break, they had built a 44–29 advantage while shooting an efficient 48.4%, in contrast to Stroh’s Squad’s 30.6% (A Sea Of Blue). The disparity only widened in the third quarter, as La Familia extended the lead to 78–41, showcasing a dominant presence on both ends of the court (A Sea Of Blue).
🏀 Redemption Arcs: Ex‑Cats Rise
More than just a team of veterans, La Familia provided a platform for redemption-seeking former Wildcats:
- Archie Goodwin led the charge, finishing with 19 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. A key contributor in multiple TBT editions, Goodwin revealed he’s using this stage to reassert himself after Kentucky’s 2013 NCAA Tournament snub. “…it’s still something that we can win under the name of Kentucky that will mean something to the program,” he said (On3).
- Kahlil Whitney, who departed Kentucky early in his college career, showed he still belongs. His emotional reactions and court presence underscored his personal journey and determination (X (formerly Twitter)).
- DeAndre Liggins, alongside veterans like Doron Lamb and Willie Cauley‑Stein, brought professionalism and drive, reinforcing the event as a stage for legacy restoration (A Sea Of Blue).
💥 Elam Ending & Home-Court Heat
Kentucky fans packed into Memorial Coliseum, fueling La Familia’s momentum with raucous support. The team’s home-court advantage, earned by topping 4,000 ticket sales, intensified their play throughout the contest (A Sea Of Blue).
As the Elam Ending targeted 105 points, the atmosphere reached a crescendo. Ansley Almonor, the youngest former Wildcat, drilled the final dagger three to complete the 53-point rout and bring the house down (A Sea Of Blue).
👀 What’s Next in the Bracket
With the win secured, La Familia advances to face Auburn alum squad War Ready on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ET, with the game airing on FOX (A Sea Of Blue). The victory solidifies their reputation as a powerhouse in the Lexington bracket and strengthens hopes of another deep TBT run, reminiscent of their 2024 Final Four appearance (A Sea Of Blue).
⚡ Final Take
La Familia showed why they’re seeded No. 1: a potent blend of youth, experience, and redemption-driven firepower. Goodwin’s dynamic leadership, Whitney’s emotional resurgence, and Almonor’s closing shot exemplified the team’s depth and heart. As they brace for War Ready and beyond, La Familia isn’t just playing—they’re writing a new chapter in Kentucky basketball alumni pride.
Big Blue Nation should continue packing the Coliseum. With their alumni stars firing on all cylinders, La Familia is poised to storm through Lexington—and potentially beyond. Go Cats