Fast Break: How Kentucky lost to Baylor

Published: December 1, 2012 

Kentucky Wildcats forward Nerlens Noel (3) had his shot denied underneath by Baylor Bears forward Cory Jefferson (34) and Isaiah Austin, as Baylor defeated #8 Kentucky 64-55 on Saturday December 1, 2012 in Lexington, Ky. Photo by Mark Cornelison | Staff

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A quick summary of Kentucky's 64-55 loss to Baylor on Saturday.

Talking points

Clearly both teams were loaded with athletes, but the play was sloppy. Unlike the Notre Dame game, UK came out with energy but struggled with execution. A highlight follow dunk by Willie Cauley-Stein gave UK a 17-9 lead. Baylor went up 21-20 at the five-minute mark as UK struggled against the Baylor zone, starting 7-for-26 from the field. Baylor closed the half on a 12-3 run for a 34-29 lead on Brady Heslip's three-pointer. Baylor's lead reached 10 as UK stayed cold from the field. UK cut the lead to three points and brought the crowd alive, but Baylor answered and John Calipari had his first loss in Rupp Arena.

Telling numbers

■ UK shot 29.6 percent from the field, 18.2 percent on three-pointers and 50 percent from the foul line.

■ Both teams turned it over 11 times in the first half.

■ Kyle Wiltjer is 3-for-22 on three-pointers in his last four games.

■ UK trailed the final 22 minutes and was never closer than three points in the second half.

Thumbs up

■ UK had 21 offensive rebounds, and Nerlens Noel had 16 boards.

■ There were some glimpses of what Ryan Harrow can bring to the table. UK needs him.

Thumbs down

■ The name of the game is still to put the ball in the basket.

■ Not only does UK seem to lack offensive rhythm, it hasn't shown the composure or ability to make winning plays when needed.

■ Not much production out of the point or the post.

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