TyTy Washington had reason to smile after scoring 25 points against Vanderbilt. (UK Athletics Photo)
The most exciting part of the first half of Friday night’s Kentucky game with Vanderbilt was the maintenance issues. The basket had to be changed, water had to be mopped and blood cleaned up. So that equals about seven minutes of excitement.
The Cats came out firing but as the half progressed the offense was stalled. As happens, every Vandy player decided to make a 3e and Kentucky could not match that. Vandy was physical under the basket denying Kentucky rebounds.
Kentucky coach John Calipari toyed with the lineup trying to find the burst of energy that would start the Cats rolling. Jacob Toppin flew around like only he can do and then shot an airball and made a quiet exit from the lineup.
Lance Ware will fight. Lance Ware will not back down. Lance Ware is what was needed in the first half. Three rebounds, two steals and one assist in three minutes of play. His energy sparked the team to a 37-33 lead at the half.
The second half started slow. Vandy had all the momentum and then a 3 by Kellan Grady ignited the Cats. Then a steal and two free throws by Oscar Tshiebwe set the tone for the remainder of the game.
The Cats had the lead at 54-47 at the 12:08 mark and the defense took over. Vandy could not make anything happen on the offensive end with the Cats snacking all loose balls and running.
The four spot has been questionable for the Cats this whole season. Toppin filled the role receiving a bloody nose and mask for his effort.
The Commodores would not give up and pulled within two at the 7-minute mark. It was time for a run but would Kentucky pull it out?
TyTy Washington took over and that was the story of how UK beat Vandy 77-71 to advance to today’s semifinal game against Tennessee. The Cats will have to bring it from the tip or it could be a long day for BBN.
