(Photo by Chet White, courtesy of UK Athletics)
The Kentucky Wildcats traveled to LSU for their first true road game of the season and freshman PJ Washington provided a huge spark down the stretch.
Washington’s play has been up and down this season but the freshman forward found his footing during the second half in Baton Rouge. Washington led the Wildcats with 18 points on an efficient 8-of-11 night from the field. The freshman also played 36 minutes, the most of any UK player.
Fans have been begging for more from Washington and the freshman provided more on Wednesday night. Washington finished strong at the rim and took care of the basketball, only committing one turnover. Kentucky has been missing that physical presence in the paint this season and when Nick Richards struggles, Kentucky usually goes without it for periods of time.
With Kentucky trailing 36-31 at the half, Washington flipped a switch. After scoring four points in the first half, Washington responded with 14 second-half points while shooting a perfect 6-of-6 from the floor. In addition to his huge offensive half, he also blocked two Tiger shots in the final twenty minutes.
Give John Calipari a ton of credit. He put Washington in the perfect position to be successful in the second half and the freshman thrived. It’s only one game but in the toughest environment they have faced this season, Washington emerged to lead the Cats across the finish line, 74-71.
