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Jamal Murray becoming more disciplined and efficient with his offense

UK is very dangerous when Jamal Murray is efficient and playing with control.

Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

After another tough road loss Tuesday, It was great seeing the Kentucky Wildcats return to their winning ways Saturday against Alabama, and there were several Cats that had pretty outstanding games.

Obviously at the top of the list was the big game by Alex Poythress, who finished with a career-high 25 points and 7 rebounds.  Following close behind were Tyler Ulis, with 8 points and 8 of the teams 12 assists. Marcus Lee lead the team with 11 rebounds while Mychal Mulder is continuing to prove that he deserves minutes with 3 points and 4 rebounds.

The hero for me for yesterday's game against Alabama was Jamal Murray with 21 points, 5 rebounds  and only 1 turnover. He's easily UK's best offensive player and someone who can take over a game when he's on and taking good shots.

That's something UK coaches want to see more of from Murray as he's shooting just 42% from the field this season, but it up to 46% over his last five games and 49% in his two games this week.

"We just want to see Jamal shoot disciplined game shots that we practice," said Kenny Payne after the game. "He has unlimited range. He can shoot the pull-ups, he can make layups. Coach is on him about finishing and playing like a big guard instead of flipping shots or floaters or trick shots."

John Calipari said of Murray after the game, "Jamal played winning basketball more,  but he still has a way to go."

Murray has also done a much better job controlling his number of turnovers as of late. He's had 2 or fewer turnovers in five of his last six games after averaging 3.2 tpg over his first nine games.

And with UK's free-throw shooting woes this season, it's a good feeling to know that someone is dependable in that area of the game as Murray was 6-6 from the free throw line vs Bama.