CATS Tame Tigers with 52-Point Second Half

UK is now 6-13 (5-7 SEC). Auburn is 11-11 (5-8 SEC).

RUPP ARENA – February 13, 2021 – BRADLEY CHARLES

The Kentucky Wildcats snapped a four-game losing streak on Saturday with an 82-80 victory over the Auburn Tigers. The Cats trailed by six points at halftime, but recorded an impressive eight 3-pointers and 52 points in the second half to get the win.

The Tigers were in control at the beginning of the game. Auburn led 15-7 with 11:26 remaining in the first half. After that, UK was able to trim the Tigers’ lead to as few as two points, but Coach Bruce Pearl’s team held a 36-30 at halftime.

After each team scored two points to begin the second half, the Cats went on an 18-5 run that gave UK a 50-43 lead with 14:38 remaining in the game. Kentucky was able to extend its lead to double figures on multiple occasions, and led by as many as 14 points.

Despite this, the Tigers were able to tie the game 77-77 with 46 seconds to go. The Cats responded with a clutch 3-pointer from guard Davion Mintz, and went on to win the game 82-80.

The win for UK ensures a season split between the two programs, which prevents the first two-game sweep for Auburn in the history of the series.

Coach John Calipari’s team tallied an impressive 10 blocks, 15 offensive rebounds, and 15 assists. The Cats also went 11-of-24 from 3-PT range.

Kentucky’s next game is scheduled to be at Vanderbilt on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 7:00 p.m. The game will be televised on the SEC Network.