Kentucky vs. Kansas State: Open Game Thread
Kansas St. Wildcats at Kentucky Wildcats, Nov 28, 2008 11:59 PM EST
This is the official A Sea of Blue Open Game Thread for tonight's game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Kansas State Wildcats. Two Wildcats for the price of one, you could say.
Your humble correspondent will be covering the game live from Las Vegas and attempting to post observations from the game if they are possible. If not, please do not let that dissuade you from staying up until the wee hours of the morning and posting comments about the game yourselves.
As I said earlier, the UK fans are here in force, primed and ready for action. I will open this thread around 10:00 to give those who just can't stay up too late a chance to make a comment or two, but as I write this I am about to adjourn for a dinner of prime rib before easing on over to the arena for the first game.
For Kentucky to win this game, they need to:
- Limit turnovers -- K-state is a good ballhandling team, and a big disparity in turnovers could be the difference.
- Get the ball into the post where they have an advantage -- K-State is big but athletically challenged compared to Kentucky.
- Be aggressive on defense -- The K-State Cats have not been challenged in the tough, man-to-man manner of a Billy Gillispie coached team.
- Utilize depth -- Kentucky is a deeper team than Kansas State, and utilizing that depth will be an advantage. This game is likely to be played up-tempo, but nothing like what North Carolina or VMI would like to play.
- Get offensive rebounds -- Kentucky should be able to rebound on the offensive glass against this team, and if they do, it would be a huge advantage.
Kentucky is likely to lose this game if they:
- Don't defend the three -- K-State is a good three-point shooting team, and UK is not exactly known for efficient defense beyond the arc.
- Waste possessions -- Kentucky must value both the ball, and getting a good look every time.
- Let the K-State guards get into the lane -- Kansas State's guards have a quickness advantage over Kentucky, and if they get in the lane, it will be a long night for the Blue and White.
- Don't force Kansas State to beat them from inside the arc -- Kansas State has beaten most of its opponents by outshooting them from the perimeter. UK must force them to do something else.
- Don't recover well on defense -- K-State will force UK to rotate on defense, and UK must do a good job of recovering from the rotation.
That's it. This is a big game, and we really need this win to prove to ourselves that Kentucky really is a better team than it showed in the first two games.
Go, 'Cats!
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My Game Prediction
Kentucky 75 – Kansas St. 60
by kentuckygirl0724 on Nov 28, 2008 11:25 PM EST reply actions
oh thank you thank you thank you
I have gotten an espnu stream that is working…I’m trying not to breathe too hard here so I don’t lose it : )
Hope you’re having a blast, Tru!
Go Cats!!!! …the Kentucky ones!
by blue kentucky girl on Nov 29, 2008 12:02 AM EST reply actions
two turnovers,
one minute in. Sigh.
by blue kentucky girl on Nov 29, 2008 12:08 AM EST reply actions
how shitty
have our starts been that I’m thinking trailing 10-5 at the first timeout isn’t that bad?
Where are all y’all?? I’m feeling like I’m discussing the game with myself. It isn’t THAT late, people : )
by blue kentucky girl on Nov 29, 2008 12:17 AM EST reply actions
At this point...
… UK is embarrassing to watch….
I really hope we don’t get blown out AGAIN on ESPN…. geez
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
meeeeeeeks
now that is more like it. Two point game now…
by blue kentucky girl on Nov 29, 2008 12:24 AM EST reply actions
just finishing up Robots with my seven year old
haven’t been able to listen or watch the game. doesn’t sound like a good start. unfortunately bkg i’m also fixing to hit da hay. gotta get up in six hours. don’t get in a funk unless it’s James Brown’s “Get Up Off aThat Thing”! and then ya betta shake ya booty!!
GO BIG BLUE!!!!!
sweeeeeeeeet
oh this is awesome. 16-0 UK run. Crowd is LOUD.
by blue kentucky girl on Nov 29, 2008 12:31 AM EST reply actions
look at that Harrelson take away!
of course he missed the shot but you can’t win them all…
by blue kentucky girl on Nov 29, 2008 12:34 AM EST reply actions
playing better....
josh really hustles when he’s on the floor…
BTW: I must blog in spurts… No ESPNU upstairs in the office… most run up and down…lol
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
one
thing that this shows me is that meeks just wasn’t one hundred percent last year. He is just awesome
oh my god
this is getting repetitive, but did I mention I love Jodie Meeks
by blue kentucky girl on Nov 29, 2008 12:42 AM EST reply actions
he can suck it
He knows my Cats come first : )
by blue kentucky girl on Nov 29, 2008 12:43 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
But he must have 2 fouls
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 12:46 AM EST reply actions
I didn't think he had but one....
confused
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 12:46 AM EST reply actions
everybody's favorite punching bag
Porter for 3!
by blue kentucky girl on Nov 29, 2008 12:47 AM EST reply actions
Porter is an All American,
I told you guys last week….
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 12:47 AM EST reply actions
Patterson got his second on the hip check call
The radio guys said it was a bit of a touch foul and a sign of inconsistent reffing.
Jodie's defense is the best
I’ve seen from anyone in a long time
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 12:49 AM EST reply actions
um yeah
Meeks is outscoring Kstate 24-23
by blue kentucky girl on Nov 29, 2008 12:52 AM EST up reply actions
Liggins didn't look good tonight
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 12:53 AM EST reply actions
Harrelson has given us some quality minutes
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 12:53 AM EST reply actions
Meeks II
He’s ok, I guess.
Maybe someone else should start the second half, though. Cause he’s hopgging the ball, right?
The Heart & Mind of the Big Blue Nation ...
Harrelson looks good tonight!
Like he belongsout there!!!
by kentuckygirl0724 on Nov 29, 2008 12:56 AM EST reply actions
This is nice listening to Larry Conley
instead of the usual jack tards
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 12:57 AM EST reply actions
Oh no, there's Andy Katz
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 12:58 AM EST reply actions
there you are!
Not a bad first half you had there, mister
by blue kentucky girl on Nov 29, 2008 1:02 AM EST up reply actions
I'm happy ...
…and it’s not just the Bud talking.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
not hard to stay up when they play like this...
We do need to STOP TURNING THE BALL OVER..!!!!!!
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
More Carter
Frankly, without more Jared Carter, I don’t see how we win this game.
Wait, did I say MORE?
The Heart & Mind of the Big Blue Nation ...
Jodie "The Slot Machine" Meeks
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 1:04 AM EST reply actions
I like Jodie "the machine" Meeks
That one just might stick….lol
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
A little Vegas touch there
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 1:04 AM EST reply actions
meeks should totally
hit the craps table at halftime
by blue kentucky girl on Nov 29, 2008 1:04 AM EST reply actions
Nicky C would
I just love kicking that kid about the gambling :-)
Changing how you think will change what you think.
oh right
he would probably call for his outster from college basketball for the ethical lapse, right?
by blue kentucky girl on Nov 29, 2008 1:10 AM EST up reply actions
blue kentucky girl
where did you say you were?
by kentuckygirl0724 on Nov 29, 2008 1:11 AM EST up reply actions
I'm in lovely, scenic
Marshall county, chirop’s favorite place in the world.
by blue kentucky girl on Nov 29, 2008 1:13 AM EST up reply actions
That's right...
Marshall County…
You seem like a nice gal, so I try not to let my hatred spill over… ;-)
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
I meant...
the people who said Calathes’ gambling was no big deal would say it was if Meeks did it…I don’t know, didn’t come out very well. Hey, it’s late!
by blue kentucky girl on Nov 29, 2008 1:12 AM EST up reply actions
Crushed
Iowa got smoked.
No idea if WVU is that good, but against Iowa, they looked dominant.
The Heart & Mind of the Big Blue Nation ...
Iowa is VERY young...
and wvu pressured them out of the building.
by wldcatsfreak on Nov 29, 2008 1:11 AM EST up reply actions
Did someone say butter
Meeks has softened the adjustments they will make and P-Pat will get his 15-16 this half because of it.
It is called a 1-2 punch.
Changing how you think will change what you think.
WVU was hot from the outside
They went on a 20-0 run early on to break it open. Iowa wasn’t very good though.
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 1:08 AM EST reply actions
Hey ky girl, any wine tonight?
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 1:08 AM EST reply actions
they have to choose their posion
Fall back and let Meeks go off… or…
Play the man to man and let Pat dominate…
their choice… lol
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
IF and it is a big IF
we can get meeks hot at least 70% of nights and don’t turn the ball over, we are seeing how we shock many folks this year.
Changing how you think will change what you think.
Yeah, and...
…No way that shit shows up on a drug test, right?
The Heart & Mind of the Big Blue Nation ...
Absolutely!
I can NOT believe it is 1:00 in the morning!!!!
by kentuckygirl0724 on Nov 29, 2008 1:09 AM EST reply actions
where is the wine?
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 1:12 AM EST up reply actions
I don't have the internet at home
Since I spend most of the day at the office. So typically, I have to watch the games and then post about it during the next business day.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
YES
and the foul, that’s my boy Meeks
by blue kentucky girl on Nov 29, 2008 1:16 AM EST reply actions
I am sure I am biased
but it seems they have to hammer us to be a foul, yet if we breathe on them it is called.
true blue living in a sea of orange
More Pat
We need to focus on Patterson over the next 5-7 minutes.
The Heart & Mind of the Big Blue Nation ...
Im diggin...
the team comraderie. Every foul or stoppage of play this team is locking arms, high fiving and just seems to genuinely love playing with one another.
Yep, no problem....
wish you could see it. I feel for ya, this is only the second game i’ve been able to watch.
by wldcatsfreak on Nov 29, 2008 1:34 AM EST up reply actions
5 hour energy...
and then weight loss pills and ab balls?
Very odd ad buying tonight?
Changing how you think will change what you think.
Patterson will have another double double
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 1:38 AM EST reply actions
Harris should never touch the ball on offense
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 1:41 AM EST reply actions
I thought we would see Galloway tonight
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 1:41 AM EST reply actions
We need a bucket now
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 1:42 AM EST reply actions
We're alright
We were looking a little “caint touch this” and this little run will wake us back up.
Changing how you think will change what you think.
That's a terrible call
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 1:45 AM EST reply actions
WHAT!!!!
true blue living in a sea of orange
Porter the stabilizer?
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 1:45 AM EST reply actions
Did Larry just say that?
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 1:45 AM EST reply actions
Harris should never touch the ball on offense
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 1:46 AM EST reply actions
'at a boy stabilizer
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 1:48 AM EST reply actions
Can we trade Porter now!
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 1:49 AM EST reply actions
Porter is losing the f'n game for us..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
Let Miller handle it
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 1:49 AM EST reply actions
Porter is ...
… so mutherfucking terrible.
I honestly can’t defend this guy anymore.
The Heart & Mind of the Big Blue Nation ...
Billy Clyde has to
get him out of there. He gets too nervous
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 1:51 AM EST reply actions
With us playing another game
tomorrow, I figured he’d used the bench more tonight?
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 1:52 AM EST reply actions
now is not the time
to miss free throws…
by blue kentucky girl on Nov 29, 2008 1:54 AM EST reply actions
killer block!
wish we’d knocked down that layup though
by blue kentucky girl on Nov 29, 2008 1:55 AM EST reply actions
Can we leave Porter in Vegas?
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 1:59 AM EST reply actions
omg the drunk
dancing fans are HI-LARIOUS. I’m so jealous of them.
by blue kentucky girl on Nov 29, 2008 2:01 AM EST reply actions
Maybe they should allow alcohol in Rupp?????
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 2:03 AM EST reply actions
Why does Perry vanish some nights?
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 2:03 AM EST reply actions
70%....we should be winning by 30!
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 2:04 AM EST reply actions
Stevenson is scared tonight
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 2:09 AM EST reply actions
when did Harreson foul out..?
He had to foul out, he was playing great and we’ve not seen him in a loooooong time
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
Does Billy get lost in these games and forget he has...
20 FREAKING PLAYERS>>>>>>>>?????
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
WOW!!!
Small redemption for Porter… Excellent Pass and clock mgmt….
great coacing Billy...
…keep Perry in when you have a great free throw shooter seating beside you…
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
OMG is right
we actually FORCED a turnover!
by blue kentucky girl on Nov 29, 2008 2:17 AM EST up reply actions
good win, awful--awful--awful ball handing tonight...
20 players and we can’t find one that can break a press….
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
Good win for a still growing up team....
The understatement of the day is that we have got to take better care of the ball.
Good night BBN!!
yes, those are my thoughts
We have some, ahem, issues to work on with our ballhandling, and you hate to see us lose a big lead like that, but a great win nonetheless. Overall, I have to say I’m quite pleased. Wish I could stay and chat but I have to work in the morning…I’m sure I’ll be a pleasure : /
by blue kentucky girl on Nov 29, 2008 2:27 AM EST up reply actions
We need to get some rest, and
pray that someone learns how to handle the ball tomorrow!
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 2:22 AM EST reply actions
Let's go get the Vols now baby!
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 2:22 AM EST reply actions
Why did BCG where a suit tonight?
He looked like a rookie coach
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 2:23 AM EST reply actions
i disagree, but only time will tell....
Stevenson worst game of the year…
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
I know you do
but I am serious – I have a feeling. I have not been this excited about a coach since Pitino.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Nov 29, 2008 2:30 AM EST up reply actions
I just wish he was a better in game coach
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 2:31 AM EST up reply actions
He is
making them play it out. They are learning so much more than you even realize out there.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Nov 29, 2008 2:32 AM EST up reply actions
I agree
That is what we saw last year… The non-conference schedule was used to train the team. Hopefully, next year, the learning curve won’t be as painful with a more experienced backcourt!!!
by SirTanksAlot on Nov 29, 2008 2:35 AM EST up reply actions
Exactly
it will be worth it in the end.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Nov 29, 2008 2:36 AM EST up reply actions
I think he gets into the game and forgets that he's the coach...
…and I’m not joking….
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
I know you do
but that’s OK, that’s what makes these blogs great…!!!!
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
I wished we could combine BCG's recruiting, with
Tubby’s in game coaching ability + Pitino’s personality and charisma…..WOW
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 2:34 AM EST up reply actions
That is VERY true!
’98 – Tubs flat out coached K into the second row. PERIOD!!!
Pitino preaches like a Baptist at a Sunday afternoon potluck social.
BCG can sell ANYTHING!
Can we get a Justice League type coaching set up :-)
Changing how you think will change what you think.
Your passion is hot Kygirl
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 2:33 AM EST up reply actions
This was
Hard to watch
Then fun
Then….not fun….wait fun again
then hard again
Can they put Cialis in their water? Even this shit out a bit.
Honestly, to have 30 TO’s and still beat a good team is a good sign for us. We looked better as a whole. But Christ, it IS 2 freaking 30.
Changing how you think will change what you think.
Cats
Seriously, I know that 31 turnovers is awful – seriously terrible – but just think, if we can score 31 turnovers and STILL win the game (no matter how close) just think what we will have when we FINALLY get those damn turnovers under control. AND we WILL Get the turnovers under control.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Nov 29, 2008 2:27 AM EST reply actions
You're so positive KY Girl....I Love YOU
I bet you’re hot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 2:29 AM EST up reply actions
That's true...
But if we don’t fix this,we are in a world of hurt.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
If we cut our TO's down to 15.....
We win by 20…
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 2:30 AM EST reply actions
I am not very confident going in to UVA for that reason
Changing how you think will change what you think.
Did you get to see that one too?
It seems WV is going to be even better at making us give it up.
Changing how you think will change what you think.
Yep
They will turn us over 50times if we play like we did tonight
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
It takes 2 hours to chill out after a game...
Which means I’m in bed around 4:30am….I hate ESPN….
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 2:32 AM EST reply actions
I dropped a valium
at the 5 min mark for that very reason.
I really do not sleep at all without them anyway.
Changing how you think will change what you think.
Hope y'all had fun
I know I almost had more fun than my heart can stand.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
It's time to start tailgating for football game now
gobigbluecatsfan72
by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 2:35 AM EST reply actions
All you guys 'n gals...
…are true blue for hanging in into the tiny hours. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Heh...
They looked tired tonite, never mind tomorrow.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Good night everyone!
See you tomorrow night!
by kentuckygirl0724 on Nov 29, 2008 2:47 AM EST reply actions

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