After dropping four-straight games in very un-Kentucky-like fashion, the Wildcats entered Saturday’s game against a red-hot Alabama team in a must-win situation.

The Wildcats had been struggling with a lack of teamwork and selfish play lately, but on Saturday afternoon at Rupp Arena, Kentucky used a very balanced effort to take down Collin Sexton and the Crimson Tide by the score of 81-71.

It wasn’t easy, as the lead changed hands a couple of times in the second half, but coach John Calipari’s crew used a late run to earn a big-time home victory to improve to 14-2 at Rupp Arena.

Perhaps the most impressive part of the win was Kentucky’s bench play, as PJ Washington led the Cats with 16 points. Quade Green added 12 points and Jarred Vanderbilt had 11 off the bench as well.

Kevin Knox (13) and Nick Richards (10) scored in double figures too, giving the Wildcats five players scoring at least 10 points. Though they only had 10 total assists in the game, the ball movement was much better, and this was the kind of game that will give Kentucky fans hope moving into the final couple of weeks of the regular season.

For Alabama, it’s a real missed opportunity, as a win could have vaulted them into the top 25 ahead of Wednesday night’s showdown at Auburn. However, the Crimson Tide have been very mediocre outside of Tuscaloosa. They’ve posted a 12-3 record at home, but fell to only 2-6 on the road with Saturday’s loss.

Kentucky was a near-lock to make the NCAA Tournament even with a loss, but this win is a big one for the resume, as the Crimson Tide will also likely make the field of 68. The Wildcats play at Arkansas on Wednesday in another big game.