Kentucky knocked off Wintrhop in Rupp Arena on the day before Thanksgiving, 87-74.
The game started with a Tyler Herro assist to P.J. Washington for a slam and the Cats were off and running. Herro had another assist to E.J. Montgomery for another dunk. UK was up 11-8.
UK would push the lead to double digits with an Immanuel Quickley three pointer in transition. The Wildcats were up 22-10. Washington would find Reid Travis for a big slam to keep the lead at ten.
Herro realized hit three wasn’t dropping and hit a couple of long twos. He also had some nice assists. He had 4 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists in the first half.
Winthrop had a lot of looks at three pointers but weren’t hitting like VMI in the last game. The Eagles were 7 of 17 in the first half. That kept them close as Bjorn Broman hit back-to-back treys to cut a 16 point deficit to 10.
UK finished the half strong as Travis paid back Washington for a slam and Washington had a third try for the Cats on a put back to extend the lead to 48-34.
The Cats would take a 51-37 lead into the half. P.J. Washington led the way with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Keldon Johnson and Reid Travis had 8 points each. UK had 22 points in the paint and 11 assists on 18 made baskets.
The Wildcats came out with a fire lit under them in the second half. Nick Richards follow up slam, then he got a block that led to a Tyler Herro 3 pointer, Richards and then Washington had lay-up’s for a quick Winthrop timeout. Richards had another dunk for an 11-0 run to start the second half.
UK came up with a couple of steals that led to buckets for Quade Green and Tyler Herro and UK had a 68-42 lead.
Tyler Herro would add a three pointer and then an assist to E.J. Montgomery after a steal and UK would take a 73-48 advantage.
UK would hold off Winthrop 87-74 to improve to 4-1 on the season. The Wildcats were led by P.J. Washington’s 19 points and 11 rebounds. Herro added 10 while Johnson had 13 and Richards 10.
UK plays Tennessee State on Friday at 7:00 in Rupp Arena.
