HOOPSWORLD | Basketball News & NBA Rumors

by Steve Jones, USA TODAY Sports

LEXINGTON, KY. — The University of Kentucky basketball team used a 24-5 run in the second half and got a career-high 23 points from Ryan Harrow to take down a challenge from Marshall and win 82-54 on Saturday at Rupp Arena – the Wildcats’ final tuneup before their rivalry game at Louisville.

Archie Goodwin added 18 points for the Cats, although he made just 4 of 17 shots from the floor. Nerlens Noel had 11 points and 10 rebounds and two blocks.

UK won comfortably despite making just 3 of 17 three-point tries (17.6 percent).

Marshall (7-6), which was hurt by 14-of-26 free-throwing shooting, was led by Covington, Ky., native Elijah Pittman’s 20 points. Nigel Spikes had five points and 16 rebounds.

The sophomore Harrow, who made 10 of 17 shots and added four assists and four rebounds, surpassed his previous scoring high of 20 points he had as a freshman at North Carolina State.

Marshall trailed 33-24 at halftime, but immediately made of most of its deficit with seven quick points, capped by a soaring alley-oop dunk by Pittman with 18:57 to play.

UK answered with its big run, including two three-point plays by Julius Mays and Archie Goodwin and Alex Poythress’ first six points of the game.

Poythress’ layup made the score 59-36 with 11:01 to go, and the victory was all but sealed.

Marshall began the game with confidence, challenging UK’s shots with aggression and taking a 20-18 lead with 11:44 left in the half.

Kentucky got in gear from there defensively and allowed only six more Marshall points before the intermission.

Harrow made UK’s only 3-pointer of the first half – at the 9:19 mark – for a 23-20 lead.

The Cats were up 33-24 at halftime – a nice lead considering its shooting struggles.

UK was 13 of 37 from the floor, including 1 of 13 (7.7 percent) from long range.

Forwards Kyle Wiltjer and Alex Poythress, who got two early fouls, combined for only two first-half points.

Harrow came ready to play, however. He had 11 first-half points and was effective on drives to the goal.

Noel had an active first half with eight points, eight rebounds and a … [For more on Ryan Harrow paves way as No. 23 Kentucky routs Marshall, click here.]