LEXINGTON — Multiple times since Monday, John Calipari lamented Kentucky’s lack of defensive prowess.

Good thing the Wildcats’ offense is so good, then.

UK scored 69 points in the first half of Friday night’s game against Marshall, going on to win comfortably, 118-82, at Rupp Arena.

The 69 points in the opening 20 minutes for Kentucky (5-1) were the most the program ever has scored in any half at Rupp since the facility opened in 1976.

And the 118 points overall were the most the Wildcats have scored in any game in Calipari’s 15 seasons in Lexington.

"We're creating great opportunities for a team that can shoot," Calipari said. "(People ask), 'Why don't you play this way (all the time)?' Well, if you have a bunch of guys that can shoot it like this, you play this way."

At the break, UK led Marshall by 28 points, 69-41. Kentucky eventually stretched its advantage to 41 (112-71) with 5:47 remaining.

Though the Thundering Herd (2-4) ended up with 82 points, continuing a recent trend — Kentucky entered allowing 81.3 points to its opponents in its past three games — this night was all about the Wildcats’ high-octane offense.

"That just means we can score," UK freshman guard Rob Dillingham said of the Wildcats' record-setting point total. "We've got to play some defense, though!"

In the first half, UK made 65.0% (26 for 40) of its field goals — it was 8 of 11 (72.7%) from 3-point range — and 90.0% (9 for 10) of its free throws. The Wildcats cooled off slightly after halftime, going 19 for 34 from the field (8 for 16 on 3s) and 3 for 5 at the free-throw line, but by that point, the outcome hadn’t been in doubt since the early portion of the first half.

Kentucky had six players post double-figure point totals, led by freshman guard D.J. Wagner’s game- and career-high 28. Next in line was senior guard Antonio Reeves (23), senior forward Tre Mitchell (18 points), Dillingham (16), freshman guard Reed Sheppard (12) and freshman wing Justin Edwards (10). Every Wildcat who played at least 10 minutes scored Friday — eight in all.

Dillingham, who made seven of his eight shots (including both 3-pointers) Friday, also dished out a game-high eight assists.

"I feel like I played solid," Dillingham said. "I could have played a little bit better, but I just started off trying to get assists and stuff. So the game just came way easier for me."

Obinna Anochili-Killen (22 points), Nate Martin (14), Jacob Conner (13) and Kevon Voyles (10) paced the Thundering Herd in the losing effort.

Marshall's coach, Dan D'Antoni, was an assistant for his brother, Mike D'Antoni, as the Phoenix Suns revolutionized the NBA with the "Seven Seconds or Less" offense in the mid-2000s.

As someone who observed offensive excellence on a daily basis back then, D'Antoni appreciated the display he saw from Kentucky Friday night.

"It's good basketball. I like good basketball," he said. "They're playing the way you should and it's fun. It's entertaining. It's good for the fans.

"I'm not into sumo wrestling (type) basketball. (These are) athletes that are moving the ball, share it and they're skilled. It's fun to watch — win or lose, it's fun to watch."

Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky vs Marshall basketball score: John Calipari's Cats set record