Coleman Coliseum is going to be packed as No. 7 Alabama basketball faces Kentucky in SEC action. The Crimson Tide (12-2) is a 5.5-point favorite over the unranked Wildcats (10-4). This begins a big stretch for an Alabama team that travels to No. 13 Arkansas next week.

Keep it here all afternoon from updates live from the scene in Tuscaloosa. Refresh for the latest.

First half

— Alabama 11, Kentucky 4 (15:10): Coleman is electric today. Alabama took an 11-2 lead on Noah Clowney’s 3-pointer a moment ago. Clowney and Bediako have all 11 points. Kentucky is 2-for-10 from the field.

— This place is rocking with a Noah Clowney transition dunk to give Alabama a 6-0 lead. Calipari called a quick timeout.

— Alabama’s off to a hot start with Charles Bediako scoring on the first two possessions. It’s 4-0 Alabama.

Pregame

— The number of NBA scouts is about as high as I can remember for an Alabama home game. Among those on the sign-in list was Mitch Kupchak, the GM of the Charlotte Hornets.

— Alabama starting lineup: Jaden Bradley, Mark Sears, Noah Clowney, Brandon Miller and Charles Bediako.

— Referees include Don Dally, K.B. Burdett Jr. and Byron Jarrett.