Top-ranked Kentucky collides with Providence

Nov 30, 2014 - 3:55 PM Lexington, KY (SportsNetwork.com) - The top-ranked Kentucky Wildcats put their unblemished record in harm's way on Sunday afternoon, as they welcome equally flawless Providence to Rupp Arena for an intriguing non-conference affair.

John Calipari's Wildcats have really yet to be tested on the season, winning all six of their games with relative ease. The routs include a marquee matchup with Kansas (72-40) back on Nov. 18. The most recent victim of Kentucky's was UT Arlington on Tuesday, a 92-44 lopsided affair in Lexington, Ky.

Ed Cooley's Friars have gotten off to a fast start as well, enjoying their own 6-0 record thus far. The fast start includes capturing the Hall of Fame Tip- off title. The team most recently knocked off a pesky Yale squad at home, 72-66. The Friars are 2-11 all-time against the No. 1 ranked team in the nation.

Kentucky has won both previous meetings with Providence. The Wildcats earned a 79-65 decision last year over the Friars at the Barclays Center.

Efficient play at the offensive end and suffocating defensive play have been the driving forces behind Providence's quick start. The Friars are enjoying a +15.8 scoring margin as a result, averaging 74.2 ppg, while allowing just 58.3. In addition, the team has positive rebounding (+6.0) and turnover margins (+3.0). La Dontae Henton has played at an All-America level early on, shooting .557 from the floor and averaging a robust 24.3 ppg. He is also tops on the team in both rebounding (5.8 rpg) and steals (14). Tyler Harris is a distant second in the scoring column at 13.7 ppg.

It was once again Providence's ability to shoot at a high level that led to victory against Yale. The Friars shot 50 percent or better in both halves en route to the six-point win. Henton put on an offensive show in the win, going 10-of-19 from the floor and 8-of-10 from the free-throw line en route to a game-high 29 points. Harris added 14 points for Providence, which shot .512 fro the field overall, despite a less-than-stellar 3-of-13 from behind the arc.

No team has even come close to making things difficult for Kentucky thus far. The Wildcats boast of a gaudy +36.8 scoring margin, as the team is averaging just over 82 points per game. The defense has been smothering at times, with opponents shooting an anemic .279 from the floor and netting just 45.7 ppg. Kentucky also lives comfortably in terms of rebounding (+16.3) and turnover (+6.0) margins. It has been a total team effort for Kentucky, as there aren't any prolific scorers emerging yet. Aaron Harrison and Devin Booker lead the team with 11.2 ppg each. Dakari Johnson is also in double digits with 11.0 ppg, while Trey Lyles (9.3 ppg), Andrew Harrison (8.7 ppg) and Willie Cauley- Stein (8.3 ppg) contribute as well.

The Wildcats blew by yet another opponent, with a 48-point romp over UT Arlington last time out. Six players finished in double figures in the lopsided affair, led by Booker's 19 points. Kari-Anthony Towns recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. He was followed the scoring column by Johnson (12 pts), Aaron Harrison (11 pts), Andrew Harrison (11 pts) and Lyles (10 pts). UK shot a scorching .566 from the floor and outscored UT Arlington 24-6 at the free-throw line.