After Kentucky’s weekend debacle against the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Wildcats responded to Saturday’s loss in the same way they have all season. On Tuesday night, Kentucky hosted the Texas A&M Aggies in search of their first SEC win of the year. While second half woes cost the Wildcats against Alabama, Ashton Hagans and Tyler Herro refused to let that happen for a second consecutive game. The backcourt duo held off a second half rally from the Aggies, filling the net en route to a 85-74 victory.
Due to falling behind 10-0 early in the first half, head coach John Calipari turned to his bench for offensive production. The second unit had rarely been called upon over the past few weeks, yet produced in rhythm for their coach. Nick Richards was first to check in for Kentucky, scoring five quick points on the fast break to ignite the Big Blue Nation.
Immanuel Quickley also led the charge, scoring seven points that included a momentum-swinging, step-back three. EJ Montgomery and Jemarl Baker received extensive run as well, scoring four points each.
A “chippy” atmosphere was another highlight of the first half, with a flagrant one foul handed to A&M’s Brandon Mahan and technical fouls assessed to both of A&M’s Christian Mekowulu and John Walker III. UK’s PJ Washington also picked up a technical in the light “scuffle” that seemed to display less action than what was made out to be.
Kentucky took a 46-34 lead into halftime, comfortably bouncing back from their early deficit. While the Wildcats allowed the Aggies to slowly creep back into the game, Hagans and Herro tag-teamed to seal the victory. Hagans did just about everything, scoring six points late in the second period to total 18 for the game. He also dished out four assists and continued to be the opposition’s worst nightmare with five steals.
Herro continued his hot stretch of scoring the rock, netting 21 points while also grabbing five rebounds. For a freshman that entered the collegiate level as a “catch and shoot player,” his ability to score the basketball in multiple facets has blossomed beautifully over the first half of Kentucky’s season.
Kentucky’s starting front court of Keldon Johnson, PJ Washington and Reid Travis had a rather “off” game, combining to score just 23 points. It was certainly an unusual outing, but the young star and two veterans are sure to bounce back.
While the front court’s offensive struggles were blatant, so was Kentucky’s lack of dominance on the glass. Kentucky was out-rebounded for the second consecutive game after out-working Louisville by just one rebound two weeks ago. The Wildcats were one of the country’s better rebounding teams to start the season, but that has come to a halt as of late.
The Wildcats will now prepare for the Vanderbilt Commodores, a team they’ll play host to on Saturday evening. Kentucky (11-3) will seek their second SEC win of the year, while the Commodores (9-4) will be coming off their Wednesday matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs.
Saturday’s tip-off is set for 8:30 P.M. EDT at Rupp Arena.