KSR Today: Kentucky Builds Momentum in Annihilation of Auburn

Don’t look now, but Kentucky might be the hottest team in college basketball. On Saturday the good times rolled at Rupp Arena. The Wildcats put their foot on the gas at the end of the first half, using an 8-0 to build up an 11-point lead. Unlike the trip to Florida, Kentucky did not let Auburn climb back into the game. The Wildcats twisted the knife, leading by as much as 40 points in an 86-54 victory.

Kentucky extended its winning streak to four by defeating Auburn at Rupp Arena for the 36th straight time. Now 20-9, 11-5 in SEC play, John Calipari’s squad is in position for a double-bye in the SEC Tournament, likely as the 3-seed (unless Texas A&M continues to slide).

CJ Fredrick returned for the first time in two weeks, but it was a mere footnote in the box score. Four Wildcats scored in double figures, led by Oscar Tshiebwe‘s 22 points and 17 rebounds. Antonio Reeves sunk three second half three-pointers en route to 21 points and Jacob Toppin had 13, his 12th straight game in double figures.

Cason Wallace Shakes Off Shooting Rust

Since taking over primary point guard responsibilities without Sahvir Wheeler available, Cason Wallace was struggling to knock down shots from downtown. Once a 47% three-point shooter, he was 0-for-16 over his last four games. On Saturday he started 2-of-7 from the floor before the shots began to fall.

“I just kept shooting. Shoot it the same way every time. It’s gotta go in eventually,” Wallace said after the win. “I feel like I didn’t lose confidence in my shot. I just kept shooting.”

Wallace hit both of his three-point attempts to score 19 points and he was only one assist away from a double-double. Wallace also grabbed three rebounds and stole four passes in the win.

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Cats are Playing with Confidence

It’s difficult to quantify the growth of this team, but it’s abundantly clear the Cats have taken dramatic steps forward over the last two weeks. The intangibles weren’t there before. Now they’re mentally locked in when it matters most.

“We’re on the rise, and at this time of the year you’re trying to have them empowered,” Calipari said after the game. “They’re calling plays in huddles now. Cason saying, ‘Why don’t we do this’. Boom. The minute they say that to me I go, ‘Let’s do it’. Because it’s off my plate and now it’s on their plate to make it work. And I want that. Defensively the same. We talked about changing and they went, ‘No, let us keep playing this way’. Fine. Let’s go.

“So you want them empowered. You want them confident. But just as important you want them to have a ball playing. Even when it gets rough and the other team makes a run, you got to have a ball playing basketball. Especially this time of the year, because you don’t want it to end.

“Refuse to lose. Doesn’t mean you’re winning every game. It means your mentality of how you’re playing. You never stop. The clock may run out on you, but you just keep coming. These guys are embodying that right now.”

Kentucky Made CBB Fans Miss a Crazy Ending

As is the case for almost every college basketball game, the lead-in for the Wildcats and the Tigers ran long. Unlike ESPN, CBS could not simply slide one game to another network. The company decided to start the Kentucky game on time in East Coast markets, while letting the conclusion of Arizona-Arizona State play out exclusively on the West Coast. It was a delightful decision for the BBN, but there were definitely some disappointed college basketball fans when they realized they missed this:

DOWN GOES NO. 7 ARIZONA‼️@SunDevilHoops WINS IT AT THE BUZZER 😱😱 pic.twitter.com/qJus7icYDO

— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) February 25, 2023

Lynn Bowden is Back in Lexington

The Wildcat great was sitting court-side for all of the action. After signing a futures deal with the New England Patriots, he’s back in Central Kentucky this offseason.

See all of the snapshots from inside Rupp Arena by taking a closer look at Dr. Michael Huang’s photo gallery.

Senior Day for Kentucky Women’s Basketball

A difficult season is nearing its finale. The Kentucky women’s basketball program will celebrate Senior Day at Memorial Coliseum. Robyn Benton, Blair Green and Adebola Adeyeye will be honored before the final home game of the season. Tip-off against the Lady Vols is at 2 pm on the SEC Network.

Kentucky Baseball Closes Out Series at KPP

It’s a consequential matchup for the Bat Cats this afternoon on South Campus. The Wildcats took game one 8-3, but a couple of first inning dingers propelled Wright State to a 12-9 victory in game two. The first pitch of game three will be thrown at 1 pm. It should be a beautiful day at Kentucky Proud Park, but if you can’t make it to the park, you can stream all of the action on SECN+.