Kentucky's last two SEC games had given some Big Blue Nation fans reason for worry, but on Tuesday the Wildcats got back to doing what they do best in an 86-37 rout of the Missouri Tigers.

To change up the look, Kentucky started sophomore guard Dominique Hawkins instead of Trey Lyles. Hawkins scored six points and handed out three assists for a well-rounded second game starting this season.

Kentucky started off the game a little slow and held small leads on Missouri up until the halfway mark of the first half. After the Wildcats got used to the game they took off and never looked back as they turned up the defense on the Tigers. Every Kentucky player was playing with a sense of urgency as nine players walked into the locker room at halftime having scored a bucket. Karl Towns was the leading scorer at the half with 10 points as the Wildcats led Missouri 44-18 at intermission.

The second half didn't look much different from the first as Kentucky continued to dominate the smaller Missouri team. They allowed their big men to take advantage of their size advantage and gain some momentum in their play. While playing through their inside players it allowed their perimeter threats to get open as well to knock down easy shots. Missouri could never get the stride they needed to get back into the game as Kentucky was getting anything they wanted on offense.

Kentucky held Missouri to only 27% shooting from the field including 1-18 from the 3-point line. They also had five takeaways and eight blocked shots in a game this Kentucky defense needed. The Wildcats have been known for their suffocating defense this season, so a win against Missouri where that defense showed up helps them get back into rhythm.

Individual Statistics

Aaron Harrison- The player of the game goes to the streaky shooter. Hitting 5-8 from deep to collect 16 points and two rebounds.

Karl-Anthony Towns- The versatile 7-footer had a double-double with 12 points 10 rebounds and an outstanding five blocks in a great outing by the freshmen.

Willie Cauley-Stein- The junior leader had a breakout game of his own, scoring 13 points and grabbing five boards after having quiet games in the past for Kentucky.

Wes Clark- Had 10 points and five rebounds in an off shooting night for the sophomore.

Keanau Post- Had a nice shooting night for himself going 5-8 with 10 points and six boards. Missouri should look to get Post more looks at the basket in games.

Coming Up

Kentucky at Alabama 1/17/15

Tennessee at Missouri 1/17/15