Alex Poythress had 21 points and 13 rebounds, Jamal Murray scored 16, and No. 5 Kentucky pulled away from Eastern Kentucky for a 88-67 home victory on Wednesday night.
Seeking to rebound from a loss last week at U.C.L.A., the Wildcats (8-1) succeeded with improved inside play against the smaller Colonels. Kentucky scored its first 32 points in the paint, and it had 58 points in the paint over all.
The Wildcats outrebounded Eastern Kentucky by 50-25 and made timely baskets before pulling away late.
Poythress’s double-double, his third this season, led the way and was highlighted by a baseline drive and two-handed dunk for an 80-65 lead with 4 minutes 14 seconds remaining.