The second half started with the Cats on fire
Kentucky had never lost three games in a row ever at Rupp since it opened on November 28, 1976, compiling a 529-64 record. That streak was in jeopardy entering Saturday.
Brandon Boston said after the game that in the huddles, they just told each other listen, we got a whole new 20 minutes, let’s just finish out this 20 minutes, don’t worry about the first 20.
That’s what they did.
Davion Mintz drained a 3-pointer from the right elbow and tied it at 38-38 with 18:19 to play and the first tie of the contest before Olivier Sarr knocked down a three and gave the Cats their first lead of day 42-41.
By the time 4:06 had been played the Wildcats were on a 9-0 run and had outscored Auburn 17-5 off 4 threes in what has to be the best 4 minutes, this team has played all year.
Kentucky was 3 of 11 in the first half from behind the arc and started the second half 5 of 6.
In perspective, Kentucky scored just 30 points in the entire first half, but came out running and dropped in 30 points in the first 8:29 of the second half.
The onslaught continued and with 6:54 to play Kentucky led 69-54 and Askew’s buzzer-beating 3 with 5:50 to play got a huge fist pump by Cal right behind him and a 72-60 advantage.
wow. pic.twitter.com/SphBRdv6ou
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) February 13, 2021
Boston sent a nifty pass to Mintz for a wicked slam making it 74-68 with the dreaded 4 minutes to play on the clock.
Auburn eventually pulled even at 77-77 with one minute to play, but Mintz answered with his second long bomb with 33 seconds left.
Isiah Jackson blocked Cooper’s shot and then disrupted two straight shots under the basket and eventually grabbed the rebound and draws foul with 8.3 left and has fouls shots seeled the win.