:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70543704/FMVcWr_XsAIVHvu.0.jpg)
The Kentucky Wildcats were in Rupp Arena for the second straight game and their second matchup of the season against the LSU Tigers.
It was a fast start as the Cats jumped out to a quick 6-3 lead, but LSU answered with an 8-2 run to take an 11-8 lead into the first media timeout.
The Tigers’ have one of the worst offenses in the SEC, but they had it working early as they drilled 5 early threes and built a 20-13 lead with 11 minutes remaining.
Kentucky’s offense was not as efficient as we saw against Alabama and the absence of Washington and Wheeler was creating a lot of problems.
The Cats were held to their lowest first half point total of the season as they went to the locker room trailing 31-23.
The second half got off to a great start for the Cats as they went on a big run to tie the game at 36 with just under 16 minutes to play.
This game will be known as the Bryce Hopkins game, as he was the spark that the Cats needed.
He scored 13 points in the second half to lead the Cats back in this one as they led it 51-45 at the under 8 timeout.
Some big drives by Kellan Grady and a putback by Hopkins extended the lead to 62-50 forcing LSU to take a timeout with just under 4 minutes left.
Down the stretch, Kentucky really struggled with LSU’s fullcourt press as the Tigers were able to claw their way back into the game.
However, the Cats were able to do just enough to come away with the 71-66 win.
Here is how Twitter reacted to the game.
5️⃣ to start for the Cats. pic.twitter.com/NHQxlVbvyv
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) February 24, 2022
Kentucky’s blocking shots left and right early.
— Aaron Gershon (@agershon99) February 24, 2022
Headband Oscar y’all done done it now
— Trill Withers (@TylerIAm) February 24, 2022
I am repulsed at how many subpar teams shoot lights out in Rupp
— Ian Teasley (@ianteasley) February 24, 2022
Lance Ware picks up a dead ball Technical foul….
— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) February 24, 2022
I really don’t see how….
Worst offense in the SEC…come to Rupp and can’t miss from 3
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) February 24, 2022
Never fails
@ Arkansas and @ Florida are gonna be tough. This wouldn't be a great one to lose.
— The Kentucky Logo (@TheKentuckyLogo) February 24, 2022
LSU's 10-point lead is more daunting than Alabama's.
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) February 24, 2022
LSU defense just overpowering UK right now
— Vaughts' Views (@vaughtsviews) February 24, 2022
Without TyTy or Sahvir getting good shots against a team with solid Halfcourt defense is a problem for this team
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) February 24, 2022
I am not sure how that’s gonna get fixed tonight. Someone probably going to need to just go off in 2nd Half
I’d go with pound the ball in to Oscar until they can stop him.
— Big Blue Express (@bigbluexpress) February 24, 2022
Kentucky had an extraordinary performance Saturday vs. Alabama but this is closer to what UK will look like offensively without TyTy Washington and Sahvir Wheeler, especially against a far superior defense.
— Chris Fisher (@ChrisFisher247) February 24, 2022
It gets old. https://t.co/BGxmEAH69Q
— Drew Franklin (@DrewFranklinKSR) February 24, 2022
Can’t miss open shots tonight….aren’t getting many.
— Jortney (@Wildcatty11) February 24, 2022
Down 8 at the half.. manageable. But LSU's defense will make it challenging.
— The Kentucky Logo (@TheKentuckyLogo) February 24, 2022
Bryce Hopkins is doing some good things.
— Shawn Smith (@gbbcountry) February 24, 2022
Tell ya what…regardless of who’s on the floor or what the score is, this team fights. That’s enough to behind them win or lose.
— Bryan Kennedy (@BKennedyTV) February 24, 2022
Dare I say, The Bryce Hopkins Game?
— Nick Roush (@RoushKSR) February 24, 2022
THEY ARE SO HAPPY FOR HOPKINS
— Big Blue Nation (@BigB1ue9ation) February 24, 2022
IDC WHAT HAPPENS I LOVE THIS TEAM
BRYCE HOPKINS
— Cats Coverage (@CatsCoverage_) February 24, 2022
Do you think Jacob Toppin is happy for his teammate Bryce Hopkins? pic.twitter.com/uhFntG0Pxg
— Big Blue Drew (@BigBlueDrew33) February 24, 2022
Make free throws and win this game. Decent chance the Cats will be shooting quite a few of them.
— T.J. Walker (@TJWalkerRadio) February 24, 2022
Will Wade to his assistants pic.twitter.com/KEd2U9BXaf
— Colton Covington (@C_Cov_) February 24, 2022
Oscar is just unreal
— The Kentucky Logo (@TheKentuckyLogo) February 24, 2022
This program gives its beloved teams nicknames.
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) February 24, 2022
For your consideration: The Unflappables.
That is a clean block
— The Kentucky Logo (@TheKentuckyLogo) February 24, 2022
When Grady shoots that floater he either makes it or it works as a lob for Oscar.
— Big Blue Express (@bigbluexpress) February 24, 2022
The thing about Kellan Grady is he’s gonna get you 3 points
— Maggie Davis (@MaggieDavisTV) February 24, 2022
Two big time Kellan Grady drives right there
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) February 24, 2022
Toppin due a banked 3 every game now !!
— ©hief 〽️eteorologist (@Dthixton10) February 24, 2022
We could all use a friend to support us like Jacob Toppin does Bryce Hopkins. The best.
— Big Blue Drew (@BigBlueDrew33) February 24, 2022
How do we rank Kentucky's most impressive wins of the season? To me, the top four in some order are:
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) February 24, 2022
at Kansas by 18 (full strength)
vs. Tennessee by 28 (full strength)
vs. Alabama (down 13, won by 9 without two starters)
vs. LSU (down 11, up by 15 late without two starters)
Cats show their depth and take our the 2nd half vs LSU. This game is toast! Congrats to coach Cal and BBN.
— Rich Brooks (@UKcoachbrooks) February 24, 2022
The final three minute collapse by Kentucky is us seeing the absence of TyTy Washington and Sahvir Wheeler.
— Tres Terrell (@TerrellTres) February 24, 2022
Good job without Wheeler and Washington, guys, but yeah ... gonna need them at Bud Walton Arena.
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) February 24, 2022
This team so impressive
— Colton Covington (@C_Cov_) February 24, 2022
Very special team. Calipari deserves a ton of credit. What he and his guys have done the last two games in the last 25 minutes or so is pretty impressive.
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) February 24, 2022
Kentucky is currently +700 to win the 2022 national title.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) February 24, 2022
CC: @FanDuel, @FDSportsbook. https://t.co/iLppzqlqQE
Got the win pic.twitter.com/6kxXMWDytD
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) February 24, 2022
And be sure to go follow our Twitter page and ‘like’ our Facebook page to get all of the latest Kentucky Wildcats news, views and other fun stuff.