In almost every scenario imaginable, a basketball team that scores 22 second-half points will have little chance of winning a game. That is, unless, that team holds the opposition to a similar number in the first. In UK’s case, its first-half lead couldn’t hold up, as the Cats lost to Alabama, 59-55, Tuesday night.
The Cats took a 33-24 lead to the break in a half they largely dominated.
Freshman center Nerlens Noel continued to make his presence felt on both ends of the court. He had Alabama players timid entering the paint for much of the first half and went into halftime with four points, five rebounds and four blocks.
Noel’s control of the rim, combined with consistent 3-point defense, led to the Crimson Tide’s 35 percent first-half shooting.