Two of the top all-time winning programs in college basketball met in Chicago No. 19 Kentucky battled No. 9 North Carolina.
Kentucky had a strong start as Ashton Hagans had a steal and layup, Tyler Herro and P.J. Washington had three pointers and Reid Travis had a tough finish as he was fouled. The Cats took an 11-4 lead.
The Wildcats would then go through a dry spell where they missed five in a row and only hit one of seven. The Tar Heels would take a 17-16 lead.
Kentucky got it going again. Herro would find Washington for an alley-oop dunk, Keldon Johnson would break away for a lay-up and P.J. would find Reid Travis and a slam. Then, a Herro three pointer would give UK its biggest lead of the half at 35-27. They’d extend it. Washington would find Herro for a lay-in. Cats led 40-29.
UK would take a 40-31 lead into the half. Reid Travis led the way with 16 points. P.J. Washington added 6 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists.
