UK Basketball: 5 rushed reactions from the loss to UCLA
![NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 23: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts during the second half of the CBS Sports Classic against the UCLA Bruins at the Smoothie King Center on December 23, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 23: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts during the second half of the CBS Sports Classic against the UCLA Bruins at the Smoothie King Center on December 23, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/f005e0a828c9fae4e4b101d49ce23ac7ebd7380b723b7d12cc3fe1298bf8d224.jpg)
1. Wenyen Gabriel vs PJ Washington
It seemed as though Kentucky played better with Wenyen Gabriel on the floor rather than PJ Washington. We’ll dive deeper into that topic later this week. Gabriel was more energetic on both ends of the floor, and his outside shot helped to spread the defense more. Gabriel rebounded, guarded, scored in the paint and beyond the three-point arc and played with energy. His play versus UCLA earned Gabriel a starting position for the upcoming Louisville showdown.