Photo by Jeff Houchin
Other than a win over the Louisville Cardinals, is there a better way for the Kentucky Wildcats to head into the New Year? Many of the Big Blue Nation would agree and will celebrate accordingly following the team’s 71-58 victory on Louisville’s home hardwood.
PJ Washington and Reid Travis had their significant moments but were held to single-digit scoring in the contest. Freshman shooting guard Tyler Herro, though, seized his opportunity early and never looked back. 14 first half points contributed to Kentucky’s 35-27 halftime lead and 10 more in the second half totaled a career-high 24 for the young talent.
Kentucky’s other budding star, Keldon Johnson, added 15 points and seven rebounds to Kentucky’s offensive arsenal. Ashton Hagans, the reclassified freshman point guard who has jumped onto the scene over the past month, was the third Wildcat in double figures with 11 points.
While Herro shot the ball well (10-13), the team overall was inconsistent outside the painted area. The Wildcats shot just 30% from behind the three point arc but still managed to appear as the better team throughout the contest.
After last week’s 40-minute hustle of the North Carolina Tar Heels, many believed it would be difficult for a young Kentucky team to follow suit during their travels to Louisville. However, despite their age and sudden lack of depth, the Wildcats “won the day.”
Kentucky’s win on Saturday gives them their 10th in 12 matchups against Louisville since head coach John Calipari arrived in Lexington. The Wildcats are technically 10-1 against the Cardinals during that span, as Louisville’s 2012 victory was vacated by the NCAA.
Ultimately, Calipari’s in-state dominance has become the Christmas gift that keeps on giving.
For what was a shaky start to the season, Kentucky’s play over recent weeks has put a quick hush to their critics. Locking down North Carolina in Chicago and Louisville at the Yum! Center were two tasks many were unsure the Wildcats’ could accomplish.
Now, Calipari will lead his surging team into South Eastern Conference play as the season inches closer to March. Kentucky’s first SEC game will be January 5th at Alabama.
