After one half, it looked like the Hoosiers had upset on the mind.
For 20 minutes, IU rode some hot shooting to a mere 42-41 deficit. But as the game waned on, the difference between a team rebuilding and a National Championship contender came to light, as the Wildcats disposed of the Hoosiers in Assembly Hall, 90-73.
The Hoosiers (4-5) found trouble in the paint all afternoon. The Wildcats (10-0) dominated IU on the boards, posting 49 total rebounds to the Hoosiers' 24. Kentucky used its rebounding presence to pull away with second-chance points, grabbing 21 of its own missed shots.
Freshman guard Maurice Creek exploded for 31 points, while freshman forward Derek Elston was an energetic force off the bench with 6 rebounds, a team high, and 2 steals. However, Kentucky used the perimeter and the inside equally to its advantage.
Guard Eric Bledsoe led the team with 23 points, hitting 4-5 from 3-point range. Down low, forwards Patrick Patterson and DaMarcus Cousins combined for 33 points and 19 rebounds, while freshman Christian Watford and sophomore Tom Pritchard combined for a paltry 11 points and 4 boards.
Check out DeAntae Prince's recap for more on the loss, including what IU coach Tom Crean, Kentucky coach John Calipari and others had to say.
