Talking points

There was no Terrence Jones mystery in this game. The injured sophomore (pinky finger on his shooting hand) did not dress. The Cats came out roaring and running, jumping up 11-0. All five starters scored in the early minutes as UK made eight of its first 10 shots. Marquis Teague pushed the pace while Darius Miller and Doron Lamb filled it up early. UK closed out the first half on a 13-4 run to lead 45-22. Samford was never able to mount any kind of rally.

Telling numbers

Kentucky came out red-hot. It started the game 15-for-19 shooting, including 4-for-7 on three-pointers.

■ Samford scored two points and did not make a field goal in the final six minutes of the first half.

■ In the first half, Samford was 1-for-11 on three-pointers and 8-for-11 otherwise.

Thumbs up

Doron Lamb's scoring in the past three games: 19, 24, and 26 points. He is 18-for-29 shooting in the past two games.

■ Darius Miller came ready for work. It was good to see the senior open up hungry and looking to score.

■ Marquis Teague seems to be catching on to this point guard deal. His penetration to the basket resulted in 14 points and five assists.

Thumbs down

Despite the score, the UK defense lost focus at times, and the Samford offense was able to get cutters open going to the basket.