Talking points
Kentucky started big with Willie Cauley-Stein and Nerlens Noel in the lineup. That length gave U of L some early trouble. Ryan Harrow directed the offense and UK led 18-12. The U of L defense turned up the heat and the Cards went on a 13-2 run, and led 36-28 at the half. U of L's pressure rattled UK early in the second half. Coach John Calipari got a quick technical and U of L looked headed to a rout with a 51-34 lead. Kyle Wiltjer's three-point shooting helped UK rally, and suddenly the U of L lead was 63-61 with 5:30 left. Archie Goodwin came to life late but UK struggled at the line, and U of L's experienced guard play responded down the stretch.
Telling numbers
■ UK shot 48.3 percent from the field, 47.6 percent on three-pointers, 47.8 percent at the foul line.
■ Goodwin scored 17 points in the final 7:24.
■ UK outscored U of L 30-9 from three-point land. UK attempted 21; U of L seven.
■ Starters Julius Mays and Archie Goodwin combined for three points and one assist in the first half.
■ U of L outscored UK 44-28 in the paint, but much of that was off turnovers and fast breaks. Louisville outscored UK 20-2 in fast-break points.
■ Mays has made two of his last 19 three-point shots.
Thumbs up
■ Ryan Harrow. This could have been ugly for UK without his play.
■ Cauley-Stein was terrible at the line but otherwise his play was promising.
■ UK showed some of the fight Calipari has been looking for.
■ U of L has the experience and depth to go a long way in March.
Thumbs down
■ To win big games, UK has to do a better job at the foul line.
■ UK needs to get more out of Alex Poythress.
