Kentucky had recently discovered a new identity. The Wildcats were playing smash mouth basketball in year two under Mark Pope with the defense leading the way. UK’s work on that end of the floor led directly to some big second half comebacks in resume-boosting wins against Indiana and St. John’s.
That all disappeared on Tuesday afternoon at Rupp Arena against Bellarmine. The Knights never really threatened to upset the Cats, but the big home favorite was never able to turn this game into blowout city because of what happened on the defensive end of the floor.