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Longwood Lancers @ Kentucky Wildcats: Open Game Thread

Longwood Lancers at Kentucky Wildcats, Nov 24, 2008 7:00 PM EST


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This is the official A Sea of Blue Open Game Thread for the Longwood Lancers vs. Kentucky Wildcats basketball game tonight at Rupp Arena, 7:00 PM EST.  This is the second game of the Finley Las Vegas Invitational, and the last game of the tournament to be played by UK outside of Las Vegas.  For a statistical look at the Lancers, see my earlier post on the subject.

After soundly defeating the Delaware State Hornets in the first game of the tournament, the Wildcats now find themselves facing yet another small school with limited talent.  Of course, the 'Cats have already surrendered one loss to a similar opponent, VMI, but if the last game were any indication, it would appear the Wildcats have learned their lesson and are on a path to improvement.

The biggest thing I will be looking for in this game is improved post play.  Even in the Delaware State victory, Kentucky had trouble getting the ball into the post and Patterson had trouble doing anything with it on the rare occasions it did get there.  That needs to change, and I am sure Billy Gillispie will be motivating his team to get the ball inside and continue to play the kind of in-your-face defense that worked so well against the Hornets.

Five things Kentucky must do to make the Coach happy:

  1. Get the ball in the post to Patterson -- This needs to happen early and often.
  2. Play smart, patient basketball -- Kentucky has been in too much of a hurry lately.  Control the break and run it well when it presents itself.
  3. Improve transition defense -- Transition D has been a weakness of this team.
  4. Attack on defense -- If Kentucky can push the Lancers back to half court like they did Delaware State, it will make all UK partisans happy.
  5. Rebound -- Kentucky actually lost the rebounding battle to the much smaller Delaware State Hornets.  That trend must be reversed.

Five things Kentucky can do to provoke Coach Gillispie's ire:

  1. Get out-hustled -- Kentucky got out-hustled in both losses.
  2. Turn the ball over carelessly -- We can all live with a few forced turnovers, but UK must minimize the unforced errors.
  3. Jack up a lot of perimeter shots -- Kentucky's scoring is unbalanced.  See my earlier discussion of the subject.  The 'Cats need to have better inside-out balance.
  4. Surrender open 3-pointers -- The one way the Lancers can surely beat the 'Cats is by getting open 3-point looks.
  5. Fail to communicate on defense -- This has been another Kentucky Achilles' heel -- calling out picks, announcing switches and rotating well defensively.

No more losing to teams we should beat.  The Wildcats need to grow up, and continue to build on thier recent success.  The record needs to be back to .500 posthaste.

Go, 'Cats!

0 recs  |  Comment 164 comments

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Listening to the pregame on radio

Coach is still very raspy with a cold no doubt. I have had the same for the last 2 weeks.
Coach admits we don’t need to give the other team a fast out.

by kykat51 on Nov 24, 2008 6:40 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Come on Cats

I want a convincing win before Vegas!

by kykat51 on Nov 24, 2008 6:58 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

That ...

… Would be nice.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Nov 24, 2008 6:59 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Okay

no one here

by kykat51 on Nov 24, 2008 7:00 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I will never talk to myself

am not a lost bloggerin cyberspace

by kykat51 on Nov 24, 2008 7:02 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Lets Get It On!

blow their doors off

by SevenRings on Nov 24, 2008 7:03 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Waiting for the internet feed

always sucks. It’s basketball and I want it now!!!

Del Tha Funky Homosapien
formerly known as senowen

by Mr. Bob Dobalina on Nov 24, 2008 7:06 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

That being said

I’m looking for the Cats not to get behind at the beginning of the game. The slow start has been the Achilles heel of the team for the past few seasons.

Del Tha Funky Homosapien
formerly known as senowen

by Mr. Bob Dobalina on Nov 24, 2008 7:08 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Miller ...

… starting over Razor Ramon. Interesting.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Nov 24, 2008 7:07 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Wonder what's up with that

Ramon has played pretty well, defensively at least, so far this year. Maybe BG is worried about the slow start as well, looking for an offensive spark at the beginning of the game.

Del Tha Funky Homosapien
formerly known as senowen

by Mr. Bob Dobalina on Nov 24, 2008 7:10 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Miller is starting...

over Harris. Wow, that didn’t take as long as I thought. Must’ve had a great couple days of practice.

by BBallSophist on Nov 24, 2008 7:07 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

This lineup...

…is what I expect to see start every game come SEC play

by BBallSophist on Nov 24, 2008 7:14 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

These are the 5 best players

on the team right now.

Del Tha Funky Homosapien
formerly known as senowen

by Mr. Bob Dobalina on Nov 24, 2008 7:16 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

That is

PP, Meeks, Liggins, Miller and Stevenson

Del Tha Funky Homosapien
formerly known as senowen

by Mr. Bob Dobalina on Nov 24, 2008 7:17 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Liggins ...

… just has to quit the high-school passes.

Unforced error.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Nov 24, 2008 7:17 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

ESPN360.com

if you have the right kind of high speed internet access

Del Tha Funky Homosapien
formerly known as senowen

by Mr. Bob Dobalina on Nov 24, 2008 7:22 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I have ...

… very little criticism to make. Impressive start.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Nov 24, 2008 7:27 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Easily the best we've played this year...

…we look very good on both ends of the floor. Patterson, with the exception of the blown lay-up on the first possession, has looked like the Patterson of old. A couple of those passes to the post were really difficult to catch.

by BBallSophist on Nov 24, 2008 7:28 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Agreed

Patterson looks like he’s shaken out some of those cobwebs from the last few games.

Del Tha Funky Homosapien
formerly known as senowen

by Mr. Bob Dobalina on Nov 24, 2008 7:29 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Wow...

Patterson looks possessed

by BBallSophist on Nov 24, 2008 7:30 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

bluegrassgal

The UK is on ESPN360….i juct checked it out

by SevenRings on Nov 24, 2008 7:31 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Thank you - I figured it out - don't have the right internet service - its says my provider is not in their

family or whatever. I have Knology here in northern Alabama, but that’s on their list – I’ll just listen it guess. Thankfully I can “watch” through you guys.

by bluegrassgal on Nov 24, 2008 7:35 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Just stay tuned

Oh guys that have the live live…update

by kykat51 on Nov 24, 2008 7:32 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

How many

turnovers so far tonight?

by ky1wildcats7 on Nov 24, 2008 7:33 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Nice camera work

I love staring at players on the sideline while the game is going on…yeesh

by BBallSophist on Nov 24, 2008 7:33 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

hey Liggins..

looks like your freshman is showing. lol. pull through buddy!

by ky1wildcats7 on Nov 24, 2008 7:37 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Liggins getting too loose with the big lead...

…relaxing a bit and taking too many chances. Once Gillispie can reign him in, he’ll be fine, but right now it’s feast or famine.

by BBallSophist on Nov 24, 2008 7:37 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Someone shut that Bogan kid down

I want to see someone take charge and decide that they won’t let one guy beat them out there. Come on.

by BBallSophist on Nov 24, 2008 7:45 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Hello everyone.

No way to watch here in Georgia (no ESPN360 due to Comcast) so I will just listen and comment here. Sounds good so far.

Xbox Live Gamertag: hoopchi

by hoopchi on Nov 24, 2008 7:45 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Can we...

have some perimeter defense. Way too many 3’s.

by Iam4UKinMI on Nov 24, 2008 7:46 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

It's like the ghost of Pitino

shows up against UK! ha ha ha ha

by bluecrip on Nov 24, 2008 7:46 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Galloway in now...

…let’s see if he makes it more than 40 seconds.

by BBallSophist on Nov 24, 2008 7:46 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

What up hoopchi?

No 360 for me either. Comcast sucks!!

by bluecrip on Nov 24, 2008 7:47 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I've let them know.

They’ve gotten about 50 emails from me. No luck yet. Comcast sucks!

Xbox Live Gamertag: hoopchi

by hoopchi on Nov 24, 2008 7:48 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

On a strange note...

Meeks has only 2 shots. He missed both and has hit 3 free throws.

by BBallSophist on Nov 24, 2008 7:48 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Also...

…we’re shooting 22% from long range, and it hasn’t been because of great defense.

by BBallSophist on Nov 24, 2008 7:49 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

AJ!

Xbox Live Gamertag: hoopchi

by hoopchi on Nov 24, 2008 7:56 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

That's a pretty fair half.

Really good ball movement. Yes, this is a team that is tired and too small, but the ‘Cats have really been impressive. Patrick Patterson is rounding back into form. DeAndre Liggins is shooting the ball well. Kevin Galloway played five very impressive minutes (you have to wonder what he wasn’t getting), and the defense, except for some 3-point lapses, has been very, very good.

I like it. This feels much better.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Nov 24, 2008 7:59 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Tru...

Will the Cover It Live feature be making an appearance this year? I enjoyed the format especially when I can’t get the video of the games anywhere.

Xbox Live Gamertag: hoopchi

by hoopchi on Nov 24, 2008 8:02 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe ...

… I got a lot of flack from my wife last year using CIL. But we’ll see how it goes.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Nov 24, 2008 8:05 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Patterson needed a game like this.

A chance to exert himself against some easier competition and get some confidence back after that injury which has to have still been affecting him. Good to see him swell up tonight. Now if I could just watch the game. Comcast sucks!

Xbox Live Gamertag: hoopchi

by hoopchi on Nov 24, 2008 8:00 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Cable internet

What do you expect. They don’t want to let you get free games that you could pay for on pay-per-view/FullCourt.

Del Tha Funky Homosapien
formerly known as senowen

by Mr. Bob Dobalina on Nov 24, 2008 8:01 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah...

tried to get Full Court and Comcast said “oh, we don’t offer that yet in this area.”

Xbox Live Gamertag: hoopchi

by hoopchi on Nov 24, 2008 8:03 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I can't live without my Full Court package.

I’ve paid for it the past seven years. I think its a pretty good value for us out of state fans.

by Iam4UKinMI on Nov 24, 2008 8:05 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I would pay also.

I could get video of 16 games I cannot otherwise watch. That’s a no brainer for any Kentucky fan. But they don’t offer it yet in Augusta, GA.

Xbox Live Gamertag: hoopchi

by hoopchi on Nov 24, 2008 8:07 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Nice half of basketball

That’s the best the offense has looked since the first exhibition game.

And this just in: Patterson = Monster That Will Make You Cry (if you’re an opponent)

On a related note, I was extremely pleased to discover I could get the ESPN360 feed! Huzzah!

"That's not a Sherman tank, it's Frank Thomas!" - Monkeyball

by JLeverenz on Nov 24, 2008 8:01 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

wow what a difference

finally the style of play that i knew this team could achieve. of course the caliber of competition is not actually what we will see, but the difference in the confidence and ball protection is apparent thank god porter has been held accountable for his ineptness.

by onemordumazz on Nov 24, 2008 8:01 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Coach

Has his team and more, I think very impressive this season.

by kykat51 on Nov 24, 2008 8:04 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

He really did.

He was his usual efficient self.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Nov 24, 2008 8:06 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I hope they win that one

Much as I dislike Florida, they don’t come anywhere close to the disdain I have for Jim Boeheim.

"That's not a Sherman tank, it's Frank Thomas!" - Monkeyball

by JLeverenz on Nov 24, 2008 8:09 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I changed it over to..

ESPN for a minute and Dickie V was gushing ofver Calathes. I made me sick! I want Syracuse to win.

by Iam4UKinMI on Nov 24, 2008 8:11 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I'm usually right there with ya

but Dickie V and Calathes rube me the wrong way.

by Iam4UKinMI on Nov 24, 2008 8:13 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Calathes

is donovan’s mini me

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Nov 24, 2008 8:17 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I agree...

Plus Syracuse is often second to us in attendance for the year and I would prefer that they do not catch up. They looked pretty good the other night at home when I watched them but I have to root for Florida.

Xbox Live Gamertag: hoopchi

by hoopchi on Nov 24, 2008 8:13 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Harris could be our havlichek??

maybe he is better off the bench?

by onemordumazz on Nov 24, 2008 8:08 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Im at work...

How did Darius play in the 1st????

by teambeam on Nov 24, 2008 8:14 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

He got the start tonight...

in place of Harris. Has played pretty well despite scoring only one point

by Iam4UKinMI on Nov 24, 2008 8:20 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

dickie v

vitale is actually for any one on tobacco road and is obviously losing his mind he should retire or just shut up

by onemordumazz on Nov 24, 2008 8:15 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Come on Harris...

…can’t have those turnovers

by BBallSophist on Nov 24, 2008 8:20 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Is anyone else worried about...

all the three pointers we’ve given up this season. Longwood has nine tonight.

by Iam4UKinMI on Nov 24, 2008 8:23 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

A little bit

Longwood has 9 three pointers and 32 total points. They should really be up on anyone outside the arc and dare them to drive.

"That's not a Sherman tank, it's Frank Thomas!" - Monkeyball

by JLeverenz on Nov 24, 2008 8:25 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

UK needs to go on another 17-2 run.

Get some quick points and create havoc on defense.

It is a concern considering we’re going to see better athletes shooting them all night if we can’t defend the three.

by bluecrip on Nov 24, 2008 8:24 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Heard Coach yelling for Jodie

who tipped inbounds pass away!

by bluecrip on Nov 24, 2008 8:29 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Much as I would like to see him get some career highs, there's really no reason for Patterson to come back in the game

Unless the staff is convinced that his ankle is okay.

Well, never mind then.

"That's not a Sherman tank, it's Frank Thomas!" - Monkeyball

by JLeverenz on Nov 24, 2008 8:32 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

He's got it now

It was 24 vs Tennessee Tech last year

"That's not a Sherman tank, it's Frank Thomas!" - Monkeyball

by JLeverenz on Nov 24, 2008 8:37 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I finally found the game on TV

DirecTV channel 699
It wasn’t on FSN like I thought

by cthom on Nov 24, 2008 8:36 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

That last one was pretty

"That's not a Sherman tank, it's Frank Thomas!" - Monkeyball

by JLeverenz on Nov 24, 2008 8:39 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

He's only 4 assists away...

"That's not a Sherman tank, it's Frank Thomas!" - Monkeyball

by JLeverenz on Nov 24, 2008 8:42 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Though I would expect him to come out soon

especially given how he’s been banged up a couple times this game.

"That's not a Sherman tank, it's Frank Thomas!" - Monkeyball

by JLeverenz on Nov 24, 2008 8:45 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Against smaller frontcourts

the high low should be a staple.

by bluecrip on Nov 24, 2008 8:40 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Up 39..

it’s time to clear the bench. No need to risk injury. Lets get some other guys some minutes.

by Iam4UKinMI on Nov 24, 2008 8:46 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

It would be nice to see a guy like Stewart get some extended minutes here

"That's not a Sherman tank, it's Frank Thomas!" - Monkeyball

by JLeverenz on Nov 24, 2008 8:50 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Wow

What a pass and finish! Perry to Patrick!

by BBallSophist on Nov 24, 2008 8:47 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Only 4/18 for 3

We have to hit a better percentage than that against good teams. Many of those misses were wide open.

by BBallSophist on Nov 24, 2008 8:53 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

"Everyone's giving him (Patterson) a standing ovation..."

Except those people the camera showed apparently

"That's not a Sherman tank, it's Frank Thomas!" - Monkeyball

by JLeverenz on Nov 24, 2008 8:53 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I was wondering about that

Did he do something in the first half that I didn’t see that would bench him the rest of the game?

true blue living in a sea of orange

by qmwhitlock on Nov 24, 2008 8:58 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Belated dinner ...

… tonight will push the post-game thread out a bit.

But it will be there in an hour or so.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Nov 24, 2008 9:06 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Good game

Showed continued improvement on offense, did exactly what they should do against a team like this.

"That's not a Sherman tank, it's Frank Thomas!" - Monkeyball

by JLeverenz on Nov 24, 2008 9:07 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Yes

I can live with this win. Much improvement from earlier games.

by kykat51 on Nov 24, 2008 9:22 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Now Cats

Go to Vegas and win again.

by kykat51 on Nov 24, 2008 9:28 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Good all around game

tonight, and it’s nice to see us blow out a team we’re supposed to.

gobigbluecatsfan72

by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 24, 2008 9:39 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

On ESPN 2, Doug Gottlieb just said....

“What about Kentucky, are they really done? We’ll be back in a few minutes with more on that.” Let’s tune in and see what he has to say.

gobigbluecatsfan72

by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 24, 2008 9:40 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Some dude from Lexington

sent ESPN an email, and asked, “What do you think Kentucky’s chances are of not making the NCAA tournament, and snapping their streak?” These are the idiots that give us a bad rap! Get a clue, we’re going dancing, no doubt about it……“Coach” Tom Brennan said, “Kentucky hasn’t been in the National Championship game in quite a while. Wasn’t it Tubby Smith who last took them there?” ’Nuff said…

gobigbluecatsfan72

by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 24, 2008 9:48 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Tom Brennan...

… Wasn’t he the guy that covered up all the drug use at Villanova back in the day..?? didn’t he get fired for that? I could be wrong… If anyone knows for sure, please correct me, but his name seems to have jogged my memory…

My point: If I’m correct, then I wouldn’t worry too much about what this guy thinks of us…

Speaking of ESPN haters, when you hear Doug Gottlieb bad mouth UK, remember this (During Gottlieb’s freshman year at Notre Dame, he stole credit cards from a roommate and fraudulently charged over $900 to those cards. Subsequently, he was kicked off the Notre Dame basketball team and eventually convicted of misdemeanor fraud.1"

So, neither of those two opinions matter in the least..!!!

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Nov 25, 2008 10:18 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

National Championship Game

1948, 1949, 1951, 1958, 1966, 1975, 1978, 1996, 1997, 1998. (10 times)

2nd most ever (only UCLA has more).

There was an 18 year gap from 1978 to 1996. The current gap is 10 years, going on 11.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 25, 2008 9:24 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

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