Sears and Auburn transfer Aden Holloway hit 3s to help spark a 11-2 run that gave the Tide a 67-60 lead with 11:40 remaining. Later, with the score tied at 81, Alabama went on a 9-0 run that was capped off by back-to-back 3s from Chris Youngblood and freshman Labaron Philon.

The Wildcats and Crimson Tide, both ranked among the top 10 in the two major polls (the USA TODAY Coaches and the Associated Press) square off today at Rupp Arena. They double as the two highest-scoring teams in the SEC: Alabama is tied for first nationally (alongside Iowa) at 89.

The No. 8 Kentucky Wildcats host the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide in college basketball action on Saturday, Jan. 18.