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LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Erik Daniels scored 15 points and No. 10 Kentucky opened the second half with a 16-3 run for a 65-44 victory over Winthrop on Friday in the season opener for both teams.

Kentucky led by 11 points at halftime, and extended the advantage to 48-24 in the opening minutes of the second half. The Wildcats led by as many as 28 points.

Chuck Hayes and Gerald Fitch added 12 points apiece and Kelenna Azubuike had 11 for Kentucky, which forced Winthrop into 29 turnovers.

The Wildcats trailed only once, in the opening minutes, but gained control and led 32-21 at the half.

Josh Grant had nine points to lead Winthrop, which has played in the NCAA tournament four of the past five years. Tyrone Walker, the preseason pick as Big South Conference player of the year, scored just four points on 2-of-8 shooting.

Kentucky is 25-3 in season openers at Rupp Arena. Winthrop fell to 0-11 against Southeastern Conference teams.