Andrew Harrison scored 16 points and No. 1 Kentucky dominated Grand Canyon in every phase during an 85-45, season-opening blowout on Friday night.
Beginning their second straight season atop the rankings thanks to a 10-deep roster that coach John Calipari utilized through a two-platoon system, the Wildcats exploited their substantial height and talent advantages through both units against a young Antelopes squad featuring seven true or redshirt freshmen among nine newcomers.
Despite missing a bunch of easy chances, Kentucky still shot 49 percent. The Wildcats held the Antelopes to 15 of 48 shooting (31 percent), outrebounded them 51-21 and blocked 10 shots.
Willie Cauley-Stein added 12 points, Dakari Johnson had 13 rebounds and 10 points and Trey Lyles had 14 points for Kentucky, which stretched its lead to 40 in the final minute.
Royce Woolridge, son of late former NBA player Orlando Woolridge, scored 15 points for Grand Canyon.
Walter Cornett, of Glendale, Kentucky, is the owner and operator of Walter’s Wildcat World. He founded WildcatWorld.com in 1998 making it one of the oldest Kentucky basketball fan sites in operation today.