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UK’s desire for ‘kills’ fuels new-found defensive energy

A matchup billed as defenseless Kentucky against winless Monmouth was no contest.

Kentucky routed Monmouth 90-44 Wednesday night in a fashion the Cats — and no doubt UK fans — longed to enjoy. UK had not won by a larger margin since beating Missouri 86-37 on Jan. 13, 2015.

“The energy was unbelievable, and we just rode the guys that had energy,” Coach John Calipari said.

What produced this new-found energy was tying it to playing time. Calipari said that he labeled three straight defensive stops as a “kill.” More “kills” means more playing time.

“Nobody wanted to come out,” Ashton Hagans said.