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UK Holds Auburn to Season Low in Scoring in 80-53 Win

Posted at 3:37 PM, Feb 23, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-23 15:38:41-05
Photo by Brendon D. Miller – Bluegrass Sports Nation

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky jumped on top of Auburn early and cruised to an 80-53 win in Rupp Arena.

Kentucky playing Auburn for the second time this season after beating the Tigers on the road 82-80.

The Wildcats started E.J. Montgomery in the place of injured forward Travis Reid. But, it was a collective effort in the first half.

P.J. Washington was feeling it early by hitting three-pointers. He had four of them in the first half. In fact, UK beat Auburn at its own game in the first half as the Wildcats hit 9-of-17 three-pointers. Meantime, Auburn struggled behind the arc going just 4-13.

Washington led the way at the break with 14 points while Herro added 13. As for the big guys, Montgomery played 8 minutes with 2 points and 3 rebounds. Nick Richards played 12 minutes with 2 points, a rebound and assist.

UK would lead at the half 45-31.

Kentucky quickly extended the lead in the 2nd half. Wahington hit a putback, Hagans hit a long two-pointer, Washington had his shot goaltended and Hagans hit a three-pointer. The Wildcats were up 56-33 with 15:42 to play.

Herro came up with a steal and lay-up and then while going up for a three, he passed before committing a walk. It was intended for Nick Richards but went by him and into the hands of Washington for the lay-up. UK would take a 65-34 lead.

P.J. Washington led the way with 24 points on 5-8 shooting from 3 point range. Tyler Herro had 17 while Ashton Hagans added 14 and Kentucky would cruise from there to improve to 23-4, 12-2 in the SEC.