The Kentucky Wildcats beat the Missouri Tigers Tuesday night 66-58.
After the huge win Saturday night, it was no surprise to see the Cats come out a bit sluggish. The game got chippy and a little sloppy at times, but Kentucky responded well after an emotional win. Going on the road and winning in the SEC is never easy, so I’ll take it.
Let’s start with the bad news: Reid Travis got hurt. The team ruled Travis out for the game with about eight minutes to go. He left the game with a sprained right knee, and it is unknown at the moment how serious the injury is. All we can do is hope for the best.
But let’s get to the good stuff. Ashton Hagans started out slow tonight, but he got it going in the second half. The freshman point guard knocked down a couple threes, which was good to see.
Keldon Johnson went back to struggling. He couldn’t buy a bucket. But he did rebound well, which we’ve kind of come to expect. He has to provide something if he isn’t scoring, and he did that tonight.
Tyler Herro continued to be a road warrior. He shot the ball well and hit the glass again. Not to mention, he played some great defense. Jimmy Dykes went as far as to call him Kentucky’s best overall defender.’
Nick Richards gave some really good minutes tonight. Once Travis went down with the injury, Richards was forced to play more. But Nick was forcing the issue before that. He played so well in the first half that Coach Cal started him to begin the second half over Travis. He seems to be getting more confident, but he makes some really poor mental mistakes. That has to change, but he’s improving.
Overall, it was an ugly game, but the Cats came out on top. There’s not much else to say. I wasn’t surprised, and I’m not worried. Kentucky just stomped the number one team in the nation and bounced back with an SEC road win. So, whatever.
Next up, the Cats will return home to take on the Auburn Tigers on Saturday afternoon.
Box Score
Game MVP
I think we’re going to have to rename this award after the player who always wins it: PJ Washington.
Washington is a man among boys right now. There is nobody that can stop him. He’s literally doing it all.
In the first half, there was a stretch where PJ hit a three, then knocked down a mid-range jumper a couple of possessions later, then did a spinning hook shot off the glass a little later. I mean he’s unstoppable.
He’s so confident right now and it’s so fun to watch. With that being said, I think the confidence turned into arrogance in the second half. After putting up 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists before the break, PJ really slowed down in the second half.
But that’s okay. He did what he needed to. And he continues to prove his case as SEC Player of the Year and All-American. He really is one of the best players in the entire country.
Washington finished with 18 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. He shot 7-13 from the floor, including 2-4 from deep. It was another good performance.
PJ also limped off the court with 13 seconds remaining. It didn’t look serious, but Kentucky could not have gotten out of Columbia quick enough tonight. I’m glad that’s over.
Highlights
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