The Kentucky Wildcats picked up another Quadrant 1 victory Wednesday night, defeating LSU 71-66 at Rupp Arena.
For the second straight game, Kentucky was forced to play without lead guards Sahvir Wheeler and TyTy Washington, who are healing up before postseason play.
Wheeler appeared to have injured his wrist in Kentucky’s loss at Tennessee last week while Washington reaggravated a left lower leg injury that he suffered in Kentucky’s win vs. Florida earlier this month. Both were considered day-to-day prior to Kentucky’s game with LSU.
When shorthanded this season, a different Kentucky player has always stepped up. This time it was Bryce Hopkins, who reached double figures with 13 points, all of them coming in the second half.
Entering Wednesday’s game, Hopkins’ last-made basket came in Kentucky’s overtime win vs. Mississippi State on January 25.
Oscar Tshiebwe totaled 17 points and 16 rebounds in the win, his 22nd double-double of the season and tenth straight. Kellan Grady and Davion Mintz both scored 13 points in the win.
Kentucky improves to 23-5 (12-3 SEC) on the season. Next up is a road trip to Arkansas Saturday afternoon.
Check back for postgame coverage from Rupp Arena.
