The Kentucky Basketball team won it’s third straight game of the season beating VMI in Rupp Arena, __. It gave UK paybacks for a season opening loss a decade ago to the Keydets, 111-103.
Again, the Keydets were not intimidated by the Wildcats. It helped that they hit 6 three pointers in a row to start their scoring for a fast 18 points.
UK also got early three pointers from Keldon Johnson and Tyler Herro. Nick Richards showed up with some strong inside post presence with a couple of dunks and a lay-up.
But, it was the two big guys of P.J. Washington and Reid Travis that led a late 12-0 run. Many of their baskets coming off rebounds or from the free throw line.
After being tied at 22, UK opened up a 48-34 lead at the half. Travis led the way with 12 points, 4 rebounds while Washington added 11 points and 9 rebounds. UK had just 5 turnovers with 9 assists on 15 made baskets. UK also outscored VMI 24-4 in the paint.
The second half opened with a flurry for the Wildcats as they extended the lead. Keldon Johnson had a couple of baskets inside. At the end of the first half, Travis was poked in the eye. He came back in the second half wearing protective glasses with a noticeably swollen, red, right eye. It didn’t slow him down as he continued to pull down rebounds and score inside.
Meantime, VMI never quit, especially Bubba Parham. He was reigning down three’s all night against the Wildcats. So, much so that True Blue Fans were cheering for him as long as UK was in the lead. The 5’11” guard was hitting step-back three’s over much bigger defenders. He had 10 three’s in all on 16 attempts scoring 35 points. That was one short of the record for made 3’s by an opponent in Rupp Arena. The Keydets did set the team 3 point record by hitting 19.
The Wildcats get the 92-82 win. Travis led the Wildcats with 22 points, 6 rebounds. Washington had 19 and a game-high 18 rebounds while Quade Green had 17.
UK is now 3-1 on the season and faces Winthrop in Rupp Arena Wednesday at 1:00 on the SEC Network.
