Stars, stats, and highlights from Kentucky basketball's latest win over Western Kentucky in foul fest

The first half of Kentucky's matchup with Western Kentucky was anything but smooth sailing. The Wildcats struggled to find their rhythm early but managed to close the half on a positive note, leading 45-33. Here’s how the action unfolded:

• Slow Start: The opening 15 minutes were a grind for Kentucky. Even sharpshooter Koby Brea missed two consecutive three-pointers, a rare event with Brea shooting over70% for the year.
• Mid-Half Surge: Despite the slow start, the Wildcats managed to extend their lead to 16 points at one stage, using their size and athleticism in the paint to gain an edge over the Hilltoppers.
• Hilltopper Run: Western Kentucky capitalized on Kentucky’s turnovers and inconsistent defense, trimming the lead to just 8 points with a minute remaining.
• Late Push: Kentucky regained momentum just before halftime with an Otega Oweh layup and two clutch free throws from Jaxon Robinson to go into half up 12.

First-Half Stats Snapshot:

• Shooting Efficiency: Kentucky shot 45% from the field compared to Western Kentucky’s 30%. The Wildcats also dominated inside, scoring 20 points in the paint versus the Hilltoppers' 10.
• Rebounding Battle: Kentucky edged out Western Kentucky 22-20 in rebounds,
• Turnovers: Both teams struggled with turnovers, but Kentucky capitalized better, scoring 10 points off turnovers compared to the Hilltoppers' 7.

Some highlights from the first half:

The second half started much like the first, a little slowly. The Cats then once again pushed the lead out to 16 only for Western to fight back to get the lead under ten. Amari Williams was taken out early in the second half after looking disinterested allowing a layup and an easy putback on defense.

The three ball was not falling for Kentucky, and Western kept attacking. Heading to the TV timeout, the Hilltoppers cut the lead to 7 with a chance to make it 6 if they converted the free throw, which they did, 57-51.

Kentucky again tried to put Western away with a run. Pushing the lead back out to 14 with just under 8 minutes to go. Amari Williams drew the fifth foul on Western big man Faye. Amari made 1 of 2 and the lead sat at 15.

Every time the Cats pushed the lead out to 16 or so, Western would make a couple of baskets to always keep the lead around 10. Kentucky did a good job always responding, but they could never put them away, partly because they couldn't make a free throws.

At one point Kentucky was 22 of 34 just 64 percent from the line. The Cats finished 29 of 42 from the line and 8 of 29 from 3. The turnovers were an issue as well, as there were only 16 assists to 11 turnovers, a margin Coach Pope will definitely not be happy with.

Highlights from the second half:

3 Stars of the night

1. Andrew Carr

Where would the Cats be without Andrew Carr tonight? Every time Western made a run, it seemed like it was Andrew Carr who would make a big basket. Carr finished with his first double-double as a cat; 18 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block.

2. Lamont Butler

Lamont, as usual, did a little bit of everything for Kentucky. He controlled the tempo when needed, and was instrumental in pushing the lead into double figures several times. Butler finished with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal.

3. Otega Oweh

Kentucky's leading scorer was needed when shots weren't falling from deep. Oweh answered finishing with 18 points and 4 rebounds.

The Cats were definitely sloppy, they didn't play their best, shots weren't falling and still they won by double figures 87-68 to get to 6-0. Fans will be looking for a little better performance when Kentucky takes the floor again Friday against Georgia State.