We knew Kentucky vs. Alabama would be a track meet, but without Lamont Butler and Jaxson Robinson, the Cats just couldn’t keep up. After the 96-83 loss, Mark Pope admitted that fatigue factored into Kentucky’s performance down the stretch.

Alabama scored 102 points with five different players scoring in double figures and two going for 20-plus — Grant Nelson went for a season-high 25 points while Mark Sears added 24. As a team, they shot 44.

Coach Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats lost their marquee matchup against the Alabama Crimson Tide 96-83 on Saturday evening despite holding a healthy 30-18 lead midway through the first half.