Kentucky Shuts Down Indiana in 39-Point Rout

Kentucky was too quick, too strong and too good for Indiana on Saturday.

The No. 2-ranked Wildcats took advantage of their inside game, then used a suffocating defense to limit the Hoosiers to 15 second-half points and their lowest point total in nearly 20 years in an 80-41 rout.

“We played with a different attitude in the second half, and a different effort,” Kentucky Coach Tubby Smith said.

The Wildcats (6-0) looked like a team intent on reaching No. 1. They won their 26th consecutive regular-season game and had a huge advantage inside, where they outscored Indiana, 48-16, and had a 54-35 rebounding edge.

Chuck Hayes had a career-high 22 points, and Erik Daniels had 19. Hayes and Daniels each had 10 rebounds.

For Coach Mike Davis, it was one of his bleakest days since taking over the Hoosiers three years ago.

Saturday’s loss was the worst of Davis’ career, six points worse than Indiana’s defeat at Wake Forest on Dec. 2, and his fourth consecutive loss against Kentucky.

It was also the Hoosiers’ worst defeat in the 47-game series, breaking a mark that had stood since 1965. The last time Indiana (4-4) was held to 41 points was Jan. 27, 1985.

The blowout took its toll on Davis. At times, he acted like Bob Knight, the man he replaced, by repeatedly scolding his players on the court.

But at least he was around for the finish. Last season against Kentucky, he was ejected and eventually suspended one game after berating on official.

Only three Hoosiers scored in the first half and only four in the game -- Bracey Wright had 23 points, Sean Kline 15, Mike Roberts two and Marshall Strickland one.