Rating:

4.0 (4 votes)

Eric Bledsoe told LEX18 Sports that he was stepping up his play. He wasn't kidding.

Does anyone remember his miss from downtown?

Bledsoe was 8 of 9 from downtown, and 9 of 11 overall from the field. On top of his career high 29 points, throw in 4 steals and 3 rebounds as he leads the Cats to a 100-71 win in game one of the NCAA Tournament against smaller East Tennessee State.

Over his last three games, Bledsoe is on fire from downtown. He has hit 15 of 21 for 71%.

Patterson was huge.

Patrick couldn't miss in the first half and ended up 9 of 10 from the field for 22 points and 5 rebounds.

The Cats had three players in double figures.

John Wall, who had 7 assists at the half, ended up with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

"That is a one man fast break," says Jay Bilas who was doing the game for CBS.

The former Duke star sounded like Wall's agent.

"He was born to play basketball."

"He advances the ball better than anyone in the country."

"You will not find anyone faster with the ball end to end."

The game was over early. The Cats led 23-10 and were shooting over 70% when the blowout began.

"They are burning the net," says Bilas.

The Cats were putting on a clinich at the half leading 54-26.

For the game, UK hit 52% from the field and 46% from downtown. What makes the downtown shooting even better is, the Cats hit 15 3's.

The battle of the boards became closer in the second half. UK won that 41-36.

DeMarcus Cousins, who had an odd line when it comes to stats, led the Cats with 8 rebounds. Toss in 4 assists, 4 blocks and 5 points.

Daniel Orton's numbers all came in the first 20 minutes. He finished with 8 points and 7 rebounds.

The bench came through with 22 points.

The numbers from the free throw line were also odd. In a blowout, you don't expect the losing team to get to the line 37 times. East Tenn. St. didn't help their cause making only 21 for 57%.

The Cats were 23 of 34 for 67%.

Micah Williams led three East Tennessee in scoring with 19.

The Cats play the winner of Wake Forest-Texas on Saturday. No word on when tip-off will be.