No. 25 Kentucky got off to a slow start in each half on Saturday against Alabama. And the second half Crimson Tide run proved to be too much for the Cats to overcome.
Alabama scored the first eight points of the game and took an early 11-2 lead. Kentucky was able to battle back, using tough defense to get back within one point on two occasions, the last at 20-19. But the Tide closed the first half on a 15-5 run to lead 35-24 at the break.
In the second half, the Tide started with a 13-3 run and Alabama went on to top the Cats 78-52 at Coleman Coliseum.
Kentucky (10-5, 1-2 SEC) struggled from the floor all day long. UK hit just 21 of 73 (28.8 percent) from the floor in the game, including just five of 20 (25 percent) from behind the arc. UK managed just seven assists on its 21 made field goals.
“We did what we wanted to do but we missed every shot,” UK head coach John Calipari said. “You can’t have your starters go three for 27, three of your starters, that you’re banking on to make baskets and expect to win.”
