Cauley-Stein leads No. 3 Kentucky's block party in 79-65 win over Providence

Kentucky's Willie Cauley-Stein (15) shoots over Providence's Carson Desrosiers (33) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) (The Associated Press)

Kentucky's Alex Poythress (22) shoots a three point basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Providence Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) (The Associated Press)

NEW YORK – Willie Cauley-Stein had 15 points, eight rebounds and a career-high nine blocks to lead No. 3 Kentucky to a 79-65 victory over Providence on Sunday night at Barclays Center.

James Young scored 18 points and Aaron Harrison added 15 for the Wildcats (7-1), who shot 64.3 percent from the field (27 of 42) and led by as many as 17 points in the second half.

Bryce Cotton had 23 points for the Friars (7-2), who finished 10 of 19 (52.6 percent) from 3-point range. They came into the game shooting just 29.4 percent from beyond the arc and were averaging only five 3s per game.

Kentucky, which had the majority of the crowd of 8,086 cheering for it, also had an exceptional game from 3-point range. The Wildcats were 6 of 8 from beyond the arc, decidedly better than the 28.9 percent they were shooting from there entering the game.