The LSU vs Kentucky basketball game was a test for the short-handed Wildcats
The LSU vs Kentucky basketball game was a test to see how the Wildcats responded after suffering a defeat on the road against the Tigers earlier in the season. The Cats certainly would not be a full strength however, a trend that has been somewhat common all season. On a brighter note, they have found a way to shift positions as well as starters and fight through the challenges. This night would be as strong of an effort in that category as we’ve seen this season.
Kentucky would be down with both starting guards TyTy Washington and well as the SEC assists leader, Sahvir Wheeler. An unexpected UK player would step up on this night in a big way however. Bryce Hopkins would be a huge shot of fight and grit when the Cats really needed it.
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Game Final Score
TheLSU vs Kentucky basketball final score was 66-71. The Wildcats were down by double digits in the first half. However, once they got the lead in the second half, the Tigers fought back into the game but were never able to close the gap.
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Recap
UK came into the game as the No. 6 ranked team in the country after a loss that dropped them a couple of spots. LSU themselves contribute to one of those scenarios earlier in the season. This game would lbe a challenge due to injuries, a scenario the Cats have gotten used to this season. The Kentucky basketball team has only been at full strength for 12 games this season. That’s not counting losing one of their premier shooters before the season even began.
Nonetheless, UK is 17-0 at Rupp Arena this season, and it’s always been a tough place for opponents to travel to and pickup a road win. In this game Kentucky would dominate the rebounds, something that has mostly been a given for this season. They also held the LSU Tigers to a low shooting performance on the night, only allowing 36.8% from the floor.
The breakout player of the night was the Kentucky Wildcat, Bryce Hopkins. He had a career-high night, scoring 13 points, many of them coming consecutively and sparking a 15-2 run that put the Cats up for good! Big Blue Nation as well as his teammates were going wild in his support!
On Bryce Hopkin’s performance …
“I’m so proud of Bryce [Hopkins]. You don’t even know how proud we are of him. We are cheering for him. For him to come out like that and knock down some buckets, it really helped us. He really helped us come back in the game. I am proud of him. I told him that this is your opportunity to show what you can do, and whatever you do, you’re forcing Coach to play you more. That is what it is all about, so I am so proud of him.”
#34, Oscar Tshiebwe, Jr., Forward
The Wildcats shot 21-of-57 from the floor, and 9-of-26 from behind the arch. That equals 36.8% from the field shooting, and34.6% from behind the three point line. It was expected that UK would struggle on the offensive side of the ball due to their leading assists guard, and a lead scorer missing in action. Grady ended up playing the full 40 minutes of the game as a result. The Cats did shoot a solid percentage however, from the charity stripe, going 15-18 at 83.3%.
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Kentucky moves to 23-5 on the season, and 12-3 in the Southeastern Conference standings, while LSU is 19-9 and also 7-8 in the South Eastern Conference.
Box Score
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Highlights Video:
Full Game Replay
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