Despite foul trouble and a slow start, Kentucky’s defense tightened in the second half, and the Wildcats were able to pull away. Brooks emphasized the importance of the game as preparation for the NCAA Tournament, where back-to-back games are common.

Kentucky’s 79-67 comeback victory over Purdue Fort Wayne on Monday night opened with the Mastodons scoring on a play that head coach Maria Marchesano took from Kenny Brooks. The play, which Brooks said he immediately recognized as his, gave the visiting team a lead it would not lose until late in the third quarter.