Cleveland State had No. 3 Kentucky on the ropes Monday night at Rupp Arena, but a late second half run helped the Wildcats secure the win, 68-61
Cleveland State vs. Kentucky final score: Wildcats avoid upset with late run
Down 10 with 7:21 left, Kentucky outscored Cleveland State 24-7 the rest of the way.
Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Kentucky improves to 5-1, while Cleveland State drops to 3-3.
The Vikings can credit their defense for the near upset. Kentucky shot just 36 percent from the field and 21 percent from three. Wildcats forward Julius Randle (15 points, 15 rebounds) secured his sixth straight double-double to begin his college career, but Cleveland State was able hold the Wildcats star to 3-10 shooting from the field.
The Vikings were led by their trio of starting guards. Sophomore Bryn Forbes (22 points, 11-11 from the line), junior Sebastian Douglas (13 points) and sophomore Trey Lewis (15 points) provided the bulk of their scoring.
Cleveland State led 54-44 with just over seven minutes remaining when the Wildcats finally woke up. A three-point play from Willie Cauley-Stein got things started, and a 12-0 run capped by a James Young jumper gave Kentucky the lead.
Forbes briefly put the Vikings back ahead with a three, but the Wildcats responded, ending the game on a 12-4 run.
More from SB Nation College Basketball
See More:
