Dec. 1, 2014

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Freshman Karl-Anthony Towns has been named the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week after guiding UK to a pair of home victories last week. It marks the first such honor of the Piscataway, N.J., native’s career, and the second honor of the season for the Wildcats.

Towns, a 6-foot-11, 255-pound forward, averaged 12 points, 8.5 rebounds and two steals in wins over UT Arlington and Providence. He began the week with his first career double-double effort with 13 points and a game-high 11 rebounds in just 17 minutes of action. He also shot a perfect 5 for 5 from the field. With three blocks vs. UT Arlington, he blocked three or more shots in four straight outings. The 13 points, 11 rebounds and four assists were all career bests against the Mavericks.

Against No. 25 Providence, Towns again led the team in both points (11) and rebounds (six). He averaged 18.5 minutes for the week and produced 12.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. If he would have played at the same efficiency per 34 minutes, he would have averaged 22.1 points and 15.6 rebounds.

Towns helped guide UK to a 92-44 win over UT Arlington and a 58-38 victory over No. 25 Providence. The Wildcats have held all seven opponents this season to a sub 40-percent shooting percentage. Towns has helped lead that defensive charge with a team-high 21 blocks.

Towns is the second Wildcat this season to earn SEC Freshman of the Week honors. Trey Lyles claimed the same honor following the opening week of competition.

Kentucky will return to action on Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. in Rupp Arena. UK plays host to No. 6/7 Texas in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge.