Kentucky downs Arkansas to claim SEC title

How does 34-0 sound Wildcat fans? With the latest dismantling of the 21st ranked Arkansas Razorbacks, the Kentucky Wildcats have not only won the 28th SEC title in school history but have kept the undefeated dream alive.

The Wildcats came into the game as heavy favorites, which followed the storyline for majority of this season. The Cats jumped on the Razorbacks quick. Andrew Harrison contributed two three pointers as UK gained an 8-0 advantage just two minutes into the game. With his team down

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When Arkansas was able to knot it up at 19, it was time for Kentucky to turn up the intensity. With great defensive play leading to easy transition baskets Kentucky was able to make a 16-4 run to help separate themselves from Arkansas. The Cats were able to add on six more points before the half to make the score 41-25 going into the locker room.

When the second half started, UK wasn’t able to bring back out the same intensity that they started with. Arkansas started to knock down some shots and cut the Wildcats’ lead down to single digits. It looked as if the Razorback press was going to slow down Kentucky enough for them to get back in the game.

Even if the offense wasn’t firing on all cylinders the Wildcat defense never backed down. When Arkansas was trying to make it close the elite defenders for the Cats stepped up and made the Hogs work for every every basket. This defensive effort helped UK gain some time to get back their own offensive rhythm.

When Kentucky got back the groove they were able to stretch the lead back out. When it reached 19 points with five minutes left the Cats never looked back. Kentucky sealed off Arkansas and won its third SEC crown in 6 years.

Andrew Harrison and Willie Cauley-Stein lead the way for the Cats on the offensive end both dropping 15 points. Cauley-Stein was also able to lead the team bringing down 10 rebounds with fellow forward Trey Lyles right behind him with 7 boards. Guards Aaron Harrison and Tyler Ulis lead the passing attack with 6 assists each making over half of the team assists between them.

Kentucky players Aaron Harrison, Andrew Harrison, and Willie Cauley-Stein were able to bring home the all tournament team honors. Kentucky’s standout forward Willie Cauley-Stein was also able to get the MVP of the tournament tallying up 42 points, 21 rebounds, and 7 blocks during the week.

The Wildcats now move forward to the NCAA tourney in hopes of capturing perfection and their ninth National title.