The marquee matchup of the SEC/Big 12 Challenge turned into a defensive battle, but Kentucky dominated the paint and prevailed 71-63 in Rupp Arena.
The AP Poll's preseason No. 1 and No. 2 both struggled to hit outside shots on the night. Kentucky's vaunted freshmen guards made up for it on defense, shutting down Kansas' Lagerald Vick and Devon Dotson. Kentucky has now won six straight games and looked every bit the national championship contender that fans and pundits expected to begin the year. With this performance it's hard to argue that they sport one of the best starting fives in the nation.