Kentucky started off fast against Alabama and tried to put them away early before the Tide could get into the game. Leading by double digits the majority of this game proves just how difficult it is to hang with this team.

UK Freshmen Trey Lyles did not play today due to an illness. Big games from Cauley-Stein and Karl Towns made up for his absence. Kentucky hopes to get Lyles back on the court in time for their Tuesday matchup with Georgia.

Kentucky and Virginia both played their games at the same time. Virginia was previously undefeated and hosting Duke in an ACC slugfest that many wouldn't want to miss. Duke would pull off the upset and leave Virginia at a 19-1 record as Kentucky is the only undefeated team left in the nation.

Kentucky used their magnificent defense in this game once again as they forced Alabama into 13 turnovers. Kentucky's ability to make every pass a team takes difficult causes opponents to get tired and frustrated as every possession has a short shot clock.

The Crimson Tide went right at some of that pressure after Kentucky let off the gas late in the second half. They started attacking the rim and going right at some of the bigs of UK to possibly get to the foul line. Their ability to hit from deep also helped cut the lead significantly.

Alabama's defense is what sunk them against the versatile scorers of Kentucky. Towns was able to score his 12 points in the first half due to Bama's lack of size down low. If Alabama wants to improve as the postseason nears they will have to work on defensive sets.

Individual Statistics

Shannon Hale- Hale was able to finish with 13 points going 4-7 from the field. Hale scored 11 of his 13 points in the second half after a quiet first 20 minutes.

Karl Towns- Towns scored all of his 12 points in the first half before fouling out with 8 minutes remaining. He was a perfect 4-4 from the field and 4-4 from the foul line.

Levi Randolph- Randolph showed his leadership by recording 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals in a fantastic outing. This game shows his versatility and why he should be in the running for SEC Player of the Year.

Willie Cauley-Stein- Where's Willie? Right here. Cauley-Stein showed why he's one of the top players in college basketball with 12 points and going 4-4 from the field. He also showed his improvement from the stripe hitting 4-6.

Devin Booker- After being heckled at Missouri Booker scores all of his 11 points in the second half of this game. Including going 3-4 from beyond the arc.

Retin Obasohan- Obasohan got the start for Alabama and played well with 11 points and went 6-9 from the free throw line.

Aaron Harrison- Aaron grabbed 10 points but also did the little things by collecting two assists and two steals in an off shooting night for the sophomore. Only hitting 2-6 from the three.

Up Next

Georgia at Kentucky 2/3/15

Missouri at Alabama 2/4/15