The lowdown

It was supposed to be an easy, runaway win for UK, but Marist proved to be no Morehouse early, staying within four points late in the first half. Kentucky looked anything like the No. 2 team in the country. The energy changed in the second half and UK turned it into a slam-fest with runs of 24-4 and 31-6. UK's length and athletic ability led to the 50-point victory.

Telling numbers

Attendance for the opener was 22,079. Last season, the total attendance for 14 Marist home games was 24,583.

■ Marist hit four of its first five three-pointers. It was 2-for-13 after that.

■ UK may not have a traditional low-post player but it outscored Marist 78-20 in the paint.

Play of the game

The dunks were electric but there was no nicer play than when Michael Kidd-Gilchrist passed to Marquis Teague, who faked one way and then threw a wraparound pass to Doron Lamb for a layup early in the game.

Thumbs up

The frosh showed why they are considered one of the top classes ever. Kidd-Gilchrist (total package), Anthony Davis (dunking machine), Teague (floor leader) and Kyle Wiltjer (sound all-around offensive game) were all impressive.

■ This team looks unselfish and feeds off nice passes. Of course, having dunks at the end helps. UK had 24 assists.

Thumbs down

Spotty defense by UK let Marist hang around. A team that was 6-27 a year ago, Marist stayed close the first half.

■ Use some practical sense, Terrence Jones.

Herald-Leader Staff Report