The building suddenly came alive thanks to the one-man wrecking crew of Jamal Murray. Murray hit seven second half threes to bring Kentucky back into a game they had been out of for 30 minutes.

Comeback Cut Short

With the Wildcats down 11 under 10 minutes to play, the freshmen decided it was time to shine. He came off screens and started firing up shots that went nowhere except the bottom of the net.

The Wildcats cut the score to 63-60 with just three minutes remaining, as senior Alex Poythress had a chance to cut the lead to one with two free throws. The forward bricked the front end of the one-and-one and Ohio State secured the rebound and was subsequently fouled. This was the turning point in a game that looked to be heading in Kentucky's direction.

It was followed up by an intentional foul called on Tyler Ulis. A foul usually given to a team losing in the final minutes of the game was seen as intentional, despite Ulis making a play for the ball.

Mistakes were made by a Kentucky squad for 30 minutes, and then for the final three minutes as they couldn't finish their comeback against the Buckeyes.

As for Ohio State, they kicked this one off early; hitting 7-of-12 three-pointers at halftime to hold a double-digit lead for a majority of the game. Kentucky got punched hard and they showed no sign of hitting back.

The rebounding battle was won by Ohio State 42-40, proving Kentucky big men still have yet to figure out how to keep teams off the glass.

Photo by Frank Franklin II - Associated Press

The performance from a group of talented players made Ohio State look like the more experienced team. The Buckeyes played and seemed like a ranked team; a constant issue with Kentucky opponents this season.

Every team brings their top game against the Wildcats; it doesn't matter if they're 5-5. Kentucky can get beat at any time when they let everyone else be the aggressor against them.

A statement was made on Skal Labissiere and his recent play (two points and five rebounds against OSU), as Kentucky head coach John Calipari said he'd take a step back before a step forward. That statement may not have only applied to Labissiere, but his entire team.

With a loss to one of Thad Matta's least impressive teams, this Kentucky bunch has taken a huge step back. They need to use this second week off to prepare for the biggest game of the year; the Louisville Cardinals.

Player Statistics

Jamal Murray- Kentucky fans might not have a 'Murray' Christmas, but this young man sure will. Murray went off for 33 points on 7-of-9 shooting from deep. 27 of his 33 came in the second half as well as all seven of his threes. It would not be shocking to see every weekly award given to this cold-blooded shooter.

Keita Bates-Diop- Bates-Diop was just one of the many players giving Kentucky trouble from deep. He hit two threes to give himself 14 points, seven rebounds and three steals. His defensive awareness really bothered the 'Cats and kept them from getting into a rhythm.

Marcus Lee- The junior proved once again that he's easily Kentucky's best big man. Lee had 12 points with nine rebounds, two blocks and two steals. Without the defensive presence of Lee down low, Kentucky becomes the most vulnerable team in the country at the rim.

Marc Loving- Loving had two threes himself and finished with 12 points to go along with eight rebounds and three steals. The forced turnovers from the Buckeyes were a big problem for Kentucky, and as long as Ohio State pressures like this, they have one solid defense.

Upcoming Schedule

#19 Louisville at #4 Kentucky 12/26/15

Mercer at Ohio State 12/22/15

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