Kentucky steamrolls Auburn 91-67 in SEC semifinal

Willie Cauley-Stein - photo by Walter Cornett
– photo by Walter Cornett

Willie Cauley-Stein scored 18 points and added 15 for No. 1 Kentucky, which routed depleted 91-67 Saturday to reach the Southeastern Conference Tournament final and run its record to 33-0.

The Wildcats had their way against a short-handed opponent. Forward Jordon Granger was suspended for fighting in Friday’s semifinal win over LSU, and just before tipoff Auburn announced the suspension of forward Cinmeon Bowers for a potential rules violation.

Their presence likely wouldn’t have mattered against Kentucky, which clicked in all areas and will play for the title Sunday against the Arkansas-Georgia winner. The Wildcats shot 56 percent and outrebounded the Tigers 39-25 for the tournament’s most lopsided victory.

, and each added 12 points for the Wildcats, who twice led by as many as 27 including in the final minute.

Antoine Mason’s 23 points led Auburn (15-20), which shot 33 percent.