Kentucky out-muscled Providence in the paint and cruised to a 61-53 win over the Friars in the first round of the NCAA Tournament tonight in Greensboro.
The Wildcats (22-11) out-rebounded Providence 48-31, including 18 offensive rebounds on the way to victory.
Oscar Tshiebwe led the rebounding parade with 25 boards to go along with 8 points.
Antonio Reeves led Kentucky with 22 points. Jacob Toppin chipped in 18 points and did a great job defensively on former teammate Bryce Hopkins.
Hopkins was held to 7 points and 8 rebounds.
Kentucky will face the winner of Kansas State and Montana State in the second round on Sunday (time TBA).
