Everyone knew Auburn was going to make a run at some point and they lived up to expectations early in the second half after trailing Kentucky 33-29 at the half.
The Tigers (18-1, 7-0 SEC) finally took the lead at 41-40 with 14:50 to go and held off a Wildcats team that was battling injuries most of the afternoon.
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Kentucky played most of the game without starting guard TyTy Washington, who left in the first half with an apparent ankle injury. Point guard Sahvir Wheeler was limited after blindly running into an Auburn screen late in the first half.
With Kentucky seeming out of sorts in the second half, Auburn went on to win 80-71 in front of a raucous home crowd.
Wheeler and Kellan Grady led the Wildcats (15-4,5-2) with 17 points each. Oscar Tshiebwe finished with 16 points and 14 rebounds.
Walker Kessler led Auburn with 19 points and 7 boards, with many of his points coming from open dunks when Tshiebwe attempted to help other UK defenders.
Kentucky will look to get back on track Tuesday night with a home game against Mississippi State.
straight. #WarEagle | @ChickfilA pic.twitter.com/PMlTGq8TWG
— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) January 22, 2022
