(1) Kentucky Runs Past (6) Texas in Second Half
Published at(LEXINGTON, Ky.) — After entering the second half tied at 26 apiece, the Kentucky Wildcats flexed their muscle and pulled away from sixth-ranked Texas, ultimately beating the Longhorns (7-1) 63-51 on Friday night. Willie Cauley-Stein had 21 points and 12 rebounds for the top-ranked Wildcats (8-0), who shot just 1-for-12 from three-point land.
The 7-foot junior was a key part to the second half dominance, helping spark a 16-2 run that opened the period. Cauley-Stein also provided valuable defense down the stretch as Texas closed the gap to just five before he converted on a free throw and dunk to regain momentum.
“I was more confident,” said Cauley-Stein. “I’ve been working on my game and I had confidence. That was the biggest thing, doing it. It paid off.”
Cauley-Stein’s performance was even more valuable as twins Aaron and Andrew Harrison combined to shoot just 3-for-17 in the contest. Jonathan Holmes scored 14 points for the Longhorns, who outrebounded Kentucky 42-31. Although they consistently battled, Texas could only close to 56-51 with 1:44 left and no closer.
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