The University of Kentucky Wildcats moved to 9-1 on the season with a 72-58 victory over the Arizona State Sun Devils in front of a packed crowd at Rupp Arena. The Cats lead by 1 at the half, 32-21, but increased their lead to as much as 23 as they picked up the intensity in the second half. Jamal Murray lead the way with 17 points.
During the first half, it was almost painfully obvious that the Cats were being outworked, especially on the inside. Senior forward Alex Poythress hyperextended his non-surgically repaired leg before halftime and it looked as if the Cats were going to have to solve their toughness issues without him.