TUSCALOOSA- Al, Kentucky began to play their best defense down the stretch, giving them a chance, but Tyler Herro’s three for the win was off the mark as Alabama survived 77-75.
Texas transfer Tevin Mack was unconscious in the first half, sinking all six of his three-point attempts and leading the way with 20 first-half points. Alabama as a team shot a red-hot 7-11 from deep in the first half.
But Kentucky held a two-point lead at halftime, in part due to their play inside, specifically Reid Travis. The eldest Wildcat had 10 first-half points to lead the way and finished with 12 in the ballgame.
Alabama was able to start the second half with a quick run, giving them the lead that they would hold onto most of the second half.
The Wildcats trailed by eight points with just 61 seconds remaining in the ballgame, but it was then the Cats began to turn up the defensive intensity. Kentucky forced two Alabama turnovers in the final minute, giving them a clean three-point shot for the victory. Tyler Herro’s three was off the back of the rim handing Kentucky their first SEC loss.
Kentucky used a balanced effort in their scoring attack with P.J. Washington leading the way with 15 points. All five Cats starters reached double figures.
