Talking points

South Carolina took it to UK early on the boards but struggled from the field, hitting 25 percent in the first half. UK was clinging to a 21-18 lead when the Cats finished the first half on a 13-0 run that ended with an Anthony Davis highlight follow dunk. By the time the UK lead reached 50-31, UK was hitting 62 percent from the field while the Gamecocks were hitting 29 percent. South Carolina heated up from three-point land and got as close as 62-50 but Terrence Jones helped prevent the Gamecocks from getting any closer.

Telling numbers

■ Anthony Davis has blocked at least three shots in all but one UK game (two against North Carolina). His seven blocks against South Carolina give him 74 for the season.

■ The game was 86 seconds old before John Calipari had to call his first timeout.

■ South Carolina had zero points off the fast break.

■ UK forced its 11th shot-clock violation, already one more than last season's total.

Thumbs up

■ For the first time since the North Carolina game, Jones had the bounce back in his game. He made his first eight shots and finished with 20 points.

■ UK hit 59.2 percent from the field and 45.5 on three-pointers.

■ Davis has five straight double-doubles.

Thumbs down

■ UK's board work was nothing special.

■ Darius Miller slipped back into his non-assertive mode: four points and one rebound.