A quick summary of Kentucky's 72-62 victory over Auburn on Saturday.

Talking points

Before beating Alabama last week, Auburn had lost six straight. Yet nothing is easy for this UK team. UK's effort was fine; its execution lacking. Jarrod Polson's three-pointer led a 7-0 run and 20-14 lead, but Auburn responded with a 7-0 run of its own. Play was rough and physical, leading to Jordon Granger being ejected after a scuffle with Archie Goodwin. UK led 37-31 at the half. The attitudes stayed chippy; the play sloppy. A couple of three-pointers from Julius Mays and Kyle Wiltjer finally allowed UK some breathing room midway into the second half.

Telling numbers

■ Kentucky attempted 17 shots in the second half, three less than in any half this year. The teams combined for 39 shots in the half.

■ UK's starters made 10 field goals. Auburn's starters scored 23 points.

■ Auburn missed all 15 three-point attempts in the first game against UK. It made its first two Saturday, six of nine in the first half and seven of 13 in the game.

■ Polson played 13 minutes in the first half; Ryan Harrow nine. Polson played 20 overall — the most since the Samford game on Dec. 4.

■ Julius Mays was 8-for-11 on three-pointers in the previous two games. He made two in eight attempts Saturday.

■ Goodwin has made one three-pointer in SEC play (attempting 18). His three points equaled his season-low against Notre Dame.

■ Nerlens Noel blocked his first shot with 1:05 left.

Thumbs up

■ Willie Cauley-Stein, coming off an injury, looked better than ever.

■ Polson supplied needed energy off the bench.

Thumbs down

■ Another example that the more physical basketball gets, the less fun it is to watch.

■ UK had 12 assists. Starting guards Harrow and Goodwin had one each.