BOX SCORE: Kentucky shoots the lights out despite poor defensive showing

Kentucky had recently discovered a new identity. The Wildcats were playing smash mouth basketball in year two under Mark Pope with the defense leading the way. UK’s work on that end of the floor led directly to some big second half comebacks in resume-boosting wins against Indiana and St. John’s.

That all disappeared on Tuesday afternoon at Rupp Arena against Bellarmine. The Knights never really threatened to upset the Cats, but the big home favorite was never able to turn this game into blowout city because of what happened on the defensive end of the floor.

Bellarmine scored 85 points in 65 possessions and posted a ridiculous 1.31 points per possession. The Knights shot 61.3 percent on 31 attempts from two with 14 layups and 38 paint points. The Atlantic Sun squad shot 7-of-19 (36.8%) from three and 26-of-30 (86.7%) from the free throw line. The Knights had just 12 turnovers and produced 15 assists on 26 baskets. Kentucky mostly took away the three, but the big underdog was able to consistently create paint touches and stay within striking distance. An argument can be made that this was Kentucky’s worst defensive performance of the season.

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It kind of overshadowed a strong offensive performance without Jaland Lowe.

The Wildcats scored 99 points in 63 possessions (1.57 points per possession). Kentucky shot 17-of-26 (65.4%) from two 12 dunks or lay-ups and 34 paint points. This offense received a big boost as the team shot 16-of-30 (53.3%) from three. Kam Williams scored 26 points off the bench with eight three-point field goals. Denzel Aberdeen added 14 points with four three-point field goals. Jasper Johnson had 11 points with three three-point field goals. Despite getting just eight minutes from Jayden Quaintance, UK had a ton of success scoring on the interior. Mo Dioubate finished 20 points on 11 field goal attempts.

Kentucky’s offense cruised but this team did not play to its recent identity in the final non-conference game of the season.