Cauley-Stein named Freshman of Week

A pair of big performances against Vanderbilt and Missouri helped Kentucky's Willie Cauley-Stein earn Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week honors, the league announced Monday.

Cauley-Stein averaged 13.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 5.0 blocks per game as the Wildcats picked up two crucial wins over the Commodores and Tigers at Rupp Arena.

The Olathe, Kan., native had a career-high 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting from the field and pulled down a team-high seven rebounds against Vanderbilt on Wednesday. He blocked a pair of shots in the final two minutes of action to help the Cats hold on for a 74-70 win.

Cauley-Stein backed that up with seven points, a team-high 12 rebounds and a career-high seven blocked shots Saturday in the thrilling 90-83 overtime victory over Missouri.

The honor is the second of Cauley-Stein’s career. His first came after an 11-point, 11-rebound effort in UK's final non-conference game of the season against Eastern Michigan.

Kentucky (19-8, 10-4 SEC) wraps up a three-game homestand on Wednesday when it plays host to Mississippi State. Tipoff is slated for 8 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.