Talking points

Kentucky came out sluggish against the Portland zone. It was 10-10 when Alex Poythress did some nice work, the UK defense blanked Portland for 51/2 minutes and UK put together a 16-0 run. UK Coach John Calipari kept making quick substitutions and riding his team, and the lead at the half was 35-20. Portland cut it to 10 but an old-fashioned three-pointer by Kyle Wiltjer sparked a 9-0 run and this one was decided. Three highlight dunks from Archie Goodwin finished it off.

Telling numbers

■ Both teams took 59 shots (UK hit 29; Portland 16).

■ Starting frontline (Poythress, Wiltjer and Nerlens Noel) made 13-of-19 shots.

■ Julius Mayes took three more shots (14) than Noel and Poythress combined.

■ UK outscored Portland 42-16 in the paint.

■ The benches combined for five points in the first half.

■ Portland is 0-5 away from home. Closest loss was by 12 points.

Thumbs up

■ UK did show signs of outstanding defense. Both runs were sparked by defense — which has been the trademark of Calipari teams.

■ Nerlens Noel was hobbled, but played with energy and finished with nine rebounds and seven blocks.

■ Ryan Harrow (eight points, six assists) looks better each time out.

Thumbs down

■ This UK team needs some holiday spirit. They don't always look they are having a lot of fun.

■ Kentucky's offense can be painful to watch at times.