The No. 8 Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Kentucky Wildcats, 70-59, on Tuesday to remain undefeated in SEC play (14-3, 9-0)
Despite winning the game by double-digits, this one was much closer than the previous meeting in Lexington.
Both teams went back and forth in the first half before Alabama went into halftime with a 35-32 lead.
Kentucky came out hot in the second half, leading several times in the first 15 minutes of the half. The Wildcats held a two-point lead with around four minutes remaining in the game.
Then everything fell apart.
The Crimson Tide would go on an 18-5 run to end the game and emerged with a hard-fought victory. It’s the first time Alabama has swept Kentucky on the hardwood since 1988-89.
It was not a particularly good shooting night for the Tide. Alabama shot just 30 percent from 3-point range and 39 percent from the field.
Fortunately for Alabama coach Nate Oats, his defense was outstanding. The Crimson Tide forced 17 turnovers and had nine steals. The Wildcats shot only 35 percent from the field and were held under their season average.
While the Tide struggled from the field, they were outstanding from the free-throw line, making 24 of 28 attempts.
Sophomore guard Jaden Shackelford led Alabama with 21 points. Senior forward Herb Jones scored 13 points and led the team with nine rebounds and eight assists.
Freshman guard Josh Primo and senior guard John Petty each scored 10 points.
Alabama gets a break in SEC play on Saturday when it faces No. 24 Oklahoma in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge.