By LARRY VAUGHT

Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings thought Kentucky showed definite offensive improvement in its second game without Nerlens  Noel due in large part to Willie Cauley-Stein’s play.

“I thought they moved the ball well. I thought they were crisp. They certainly put it on the floor and compromised our defense, especially the whole first half. If we don’t guard well, we don’t win. That’s the first time we have scored 70 in league play. We’re not going to win if we aren’t going to guard,” Stallings said.

Missouri coach Frank Haith brings his team to Rupp Arena Saturday night for ESPN GameDay. He thought UK looked much better against Vanderbilt than it did against Tennessee in a 30-point loss last Saturday in its first game without Noel.

“You could see them being a lot more relaxed. The first time you play without a player as important as he is, you knew it would be tough for them, but it looked like they were more relaxed, more comfortable the second time out. We know we’re going to get Kentucky’s very best on Saturday,” Haith said.