NCAA Basketball: (3) Kentucky Wildcats 74 Transylvania Pioneers 28

Nov 01, 2012; Lexington , KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Willie Cauley-Stein (15) shoots the ball against Northwood Seahawks guard Kevin McDuffie (15) during the game at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-US PRESSWIRE

At halftime Kentucky was up on the Transylvania Pioneers 27-18. It was a very sloppy first half for the Kentucky Wildcats. Transylvania forced the wildcats into 10 turnovers. Kentucky was led in scoring at half by Ryan Harrow who hit 2 three pointers and ended the half with 6 points. Kentucky held Transylvania without a FG for the last 4 minutes of the half. John Calipari was asked about his teams performance and he said “We better be better”.

Kentucky started out the 2nd half on a 12-2 run to extend the lead to 17. The defensive pressure was much better starting out the 2nd half which lead to 4 Transylvania turnovers. Julius Mays hit two key 3 pointers to extend the lead to 44-22 at the 13 minute mark of the second half.

With 11:29 in the second half Kentucky lead was 49-24. Kentucky was a totally different team in the second half on the offensive side.

Kentucky’s defense was key to a lead of 40 with 7 minutes left in the second half. Nerlens noel started to dominate the paint and Transy couldn’t get a shot off on the lenghty UK defense.

Julius Mays went down with a knee injury at the 6 minute mark. Kentucky didnt release an official statement on the injury. He went to the locker room under his own power, but was noticeably in pain.

At the 2:49 mark Kentucky leads 72-26, and John Calipari cleared the bench and let the walk ons in for the final two minutes. Transy was held to 10 points in the second half.

Willie Cauley-Stein was named player of the game with 11 points and 4 rebounds. Kentucky wins 74-28