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Kentucky vs. UCLA, 87-77: Full highlights, final score and more

By Cody Williams

Dec 3, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; The UCLA Bruins bench celebrates late during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; The UCLA Bruins bench celebrates late during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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No. 1 Kentucky fell on the road to the UCLA Bruins

The Kentucky Wildcats came into Pauley Pavilion on Thursday night as the No. 1-ranked team in the nation and everyone essentially predicted that they would continue their undefeated run to start the season with a win over UCLA. However, Thomas Welsh, Tony Parker and the Bruins had different plans for the festivities as they welcomed the top-ranked team in the country to town.

Anything and everything that could have gone wrong for Kentucky did on Thursday unquestionably did. Jamal Murray had a terrible shooting night for most of the contest and was matched by his backcourt mate in Tyler Ulis who shot only 2-12 from the field on the night. Meanwhile, Skal Labissiere was ineffective and in foul trouble, joined by an ineffective Alex Poythress off of the bench.

Moreover, the Bruins capitalized on the shortcomings of the Wildcats as they were hot from all over the field. UCLA shot 52.8 percent from the field, had all five starters in double digits, and went 5-11 from three. UCLA also managed to limit their turnovers to just 10 on the night, limiting Kentucky’s turnovers. All of this ultimately led to the Bruins pulling off a big upset for the second loss by a No. 1 team already this season.

Three stars

Thomas Welsh was the star for the Bruins in this upset, putting up 20 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks on the night while hitting eight of his 11 shot attempts and going 4-4 from the foul line.

Isaiah Briscoe was the lone bright spot for the Wildcats as he put up 17 points and one rebound while shooting 6-9 from the floor and 5-8 from the foul line.

Aaron Holiday didn’t light the world on fire with his scoring as he managed only 10 points, but he contributed everywhere else as well. He finished the night with seven assists and eight rebounds to go with his scoring.

Highlights

https://twitter.com/Pac12Networks/status/672601692303720449

Odds

Kentucky were 6.5-point favorites coming into this game, which they obviously didn’t cover in the lost. The two teams did combine to hit well over the 144-point O/U line.

Next Game

UCLA will again be at home for their next game on Sunday against Long Beach State

Kentucky will had back to Rupp next Wednesday after a week-long break to take on Eastern Kentucky.