Defense allows Kentucky to run away from Brown

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Kentucky forward Andrew Carr goes after the ball - Dr. Michael Huang, Kentucky Sports Radio

We have seen some slippage from Kentucky’s defense in recent games. The Wildcats had slipped to sub-60 in adjusted defensive efficiency heading into Tuesday’s game against Brown. Forcing turnovers has been a massive issue. All of that changed at Rupp Arena.

The Cats got the clamps out and moved nearly 10 spots in KenPom’s defensive efficiency rankings after improving to 11-2 in non-conference play.

Kentucky forced 23 turnovers in 67 possessions (34.3% turnover rate) and held the Ivy League school to 5-of-21 shooting (23.8%) from three-point range and 10-of-17 (58.8%) on shots at the rim. That all led to the Bears scoring only 0.81 points per possessions. After hanging around in the first half, the big road underdog was outscored by 22 points in the second half in the 88-54 Kentucky win.

Mark Pope’s team also had an efficient performance. The Wildcats scored 88 points in 63 possessions, poured in 10 three-point field goals, shot 13-of-20 at the rim, and scored 33 points off Brown’s 23 turnovers. Three starters finished the game scoring in double-digits and five players off the bench made at least one basket.

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The Wildcats took care of business in game before SEC play starts. It’s time to enter the conference gauntlet.

Box Score: Kentucky vs. Brown

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