Kentucky 61, Alabama 51: Postmortem
by Truzenzuzex on Jan 24, 2009 5:41 PM EST
63 comments
Terrific effort by Alabama today on their home court. They played hard and sometimes very well, and validated every one of my fears about them. Unfortunately, as is their wont, they turned the ball over to Kentucky at critical times and struggled shooting from the floor. In the end, the 'Cats were just too much in a defensive struggle for the Tide, who, like Kentucky, are struggling a bit with point guard issues.
I am greatly concerned about the status of Ramon Harris, who apparently collapsed in the locker room during half time and had to be taken to the hospital. I hope it was nothing serious, but I am very concerned. I would appreciate anyone who comes up with solid information about his status would pass it along to us immediately. Ramon Harris is absolutely one of my favorite players, and even if he wasn't, he is one of our own. We at A Sea of Blue offer our prayers for his health and family, and that his troubles are minor.
This was a tough, gritty road win for Kentucky. It did not look pretty, and we committed our fair share of boneheaded mistakes, but the effort and toughness this team showed on the road is just wonderful. This Alabama team has issues, but their talent and potential are undeniable. I consider us fortunate to escape with the tough victory.
But you make your own luck, and Kentucky made plenty for themselves today. Whether it was the sometimes brilliant play of DeAndre Liggins on both ends of the floor, or Perry Stevenson's tough rebounding, or Jodie Meeks' floor burns, it was the kind of all-out effort that should warm the cockles of every Kentucky fan's heart. This was just a case of UK wanting it more, and as often as we have been the victim of the superior desire of another team over the last few years, it was a hear-warming and stirring sight.
Here are my observations:
- How monstrous of a performance was this by Perry Stevenson? This kid may be as light as a feather, but inside that slight body beats the heat of a lion and the soul of a poet. 16 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and several blocks. A Pattersonesque line on a day when Patterson was not at his best.
- Michael Porter looked a mess today. Never have I seen him less confident, missing no less than three layups and just generally looking overmatched. His line wasn't too bad, though, so it's hard to be too critical. His game just really looked ugly today.
- Patrick Patterson was never really in this game, but he did have a couple of blocks, five rebounds and six points. Somehow, the team just could not get him involved. But he did run the floor like a deer and made some plays.
- DeAndre Liggins was terrific, especially defensively. He turned the ball over, as is his wont, but at least two of those should go on someone else. 11 points and 3 assists when assists were hard to come by. His three pointer in the second half was huge.
- I can't say enough about Darius Miller today. No, he didn't score, but he was a terror on defense and made two beautiful assists and had a team high 3 blocked shots. He played hard defensively and had seven big rebounds, two offensive.
- Jodie Meeks was, well, Jodie Meeks. 27 points on 10-18 shooting, and 9 gigantic rebounds to go with three steals, two of which lead to easy baskets.
- Josh Harrellson was absolutely unable to do much of anything, but he did do one very important thing just before he went out -- made a heady play to bounce a ball off an opponent as he was going out of bounds to preserve the possession, on which we ultimately scored.
- How focused was this team to come from behind on a hostile floor with the status, the very life of one of their teammates in doubt? That's truly amazing, and speaks volumes about how intense they are. A reflection of their coach, I would say.
This was one of the best wins we have had this year, especially on the road against a determined and talented foe. I am very happy with what I saw on the court, even as I am very deeply concerned about the events taking place in an Alabama hospital.
Congratulations to the Wildcats. Prayers for Ramon.
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A good win
Certainly first and foremost is our concern for Ramon Harris, I hope it’s minor.
Good to see them win a game in which Patterson was mostly nullified by the defense and foul trouble. A great line by Miller. Stevenson only got credit for 1 block which doesn’t seem right. Good minutes from Liggins and Miller – that is a welcome sign. Heck, we even had a Liggins 3 pointer sighting!
by JLeverenz on Jan 24, 2009 5:52 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Hallelujah for Liggins' three!
God, I just pull for the kid every freakin’ time he launches one. I think I heard something like 5 for 31 on the year? Oh, my. That’s tough.
Good win. I’m just happy to get the heck out of Tuscaloosa and come away with a win. It wasn’t looking real promising after that first half.
What is looking promising, though, is Ramon’s condition. Thanks everyone for the update so far. I’ll check back later for more info, of course.
Oh, and sorry JLeverenz, but Jodie is totally already taken. : )
by BigSkyCat on Jan 24, 2009 6:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow what a defensive struggle...
A few things I took away from the game. Liggins playyed outstanding defense the entire game and Perry Stephenson really stepped up and continued his recent strong play. Meeks was Meeks and he is simply amazing (for the hundredth time). Alabama played great defense as well. Their length was a problem for UK the majority fo the game and they kept UK from dominating the paint. This is the type of game that I like to see UK win during the season because come tourney time they will need to learn how to win hard fought close games. I’m so happy UK pulled this win out.
Slower Traffic Keep Right!
by SevenRings on Jan 24, 2009 5:53 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Right on
G on Ramon — “Everything looks good , all his vital signs, I don’t want to get into it, once he got to the hospital and threw-up he felt much better, he’s alert, until the tests are run you don’t know”
by Ken Howlett on Jan 24, 2009 5:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Fingers crossed.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Jan 24, 2009 5:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Perry "Hands" Stephenson
I think he had a big game but he has got to CATCH the ball! I don’t know if I can watch another pass slip right through his hands.
by Clay Mason on Jan 24, 2009 6:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I know.
But they are getting better, and that’s a good thing. Maybe by the end of the year, he’ll have Patterson hands. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Jan 24, 2009 6:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This true but...
The whole catch and maintain your feet without traveling thing is also a work in progress. However, a lot of times the pass has as much to do with this factor as anything else.
by bigbluestu on Jan 24, 2009 6:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Jodie Meeks
has 3 seals? Awesome, wonder if he can keep them as pets?
That's what she said.
by adaircam4 on Jan 24, 2009 6:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
That's one the ol' spell checker ...
… just can’t see. Thanks for the heads up.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Jan 24, 2009 6:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Just messing with ya
but it would be cool to have a pet seal
That's what she said.
by adaircam4 on Jan 24, 2009 6:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Indeed.
Except for feeding them fish. Ech. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Jan 24, 2009 6:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
TCP ...
… says that Harris “felt better after he threw up.”
I’m thinking food poisoning. I hope.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Jan 24, 2009 6:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The number of times I had "food poisoning" on a Saturday in college. . .
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
by NYCCats on Jan 24, 2009 6:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
LOL and ditto
If it is food poisoning, I seriously doubt it’s the type that we experienced :)
by Ken Howlett on Jan 24, 2009 6:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Stevenson scored 13 of his 16 points in the 2nd half.
He really stepped up in the 2nd half. I hope that’s a sign of things to come.
GBB!!!
by OGETARTS on Jan 24, 2009 6:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
sign of things to come?
He’s shooting perc. is over 50. He’s 50 from three point range. He’s almost averaging a double double with 45 blocks on the season (team leading!). Not so bad with two “all-americans”. Throughout a season people have to step up when your, “all-american” (or “all-americans” in the case this year) are having a bad night.
by bigbluefan on Jan 24, 2009 9:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Stevenson could average 11 and 8 per game.
He’s starting to play better, especially recently, but thru 20 games, he is averaging 8.1 points per game and 6.5 rebounds per game. Those are decent numbers, but I think he’s capable of doing more. He has to play aggressive and he has to become more consistent. Today he was great.
GBB!!!
by OGETARTS on Jan 24, 2009 9:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ron Steele
I disagree with the announcers that if Ron Steele had been in the game that the outcome of the game would have gone the other way. I think if Steele had been in the game that it would have been a different ballgame – with the same out come of the Cats on top. Playing without Steele forced Alabama to really dig deep and play some gritty basketball. I think had R. Steele been in the game Alabama would have not dug in the way that they did knowing they did not have him. I think it would have still been a tough game, just in a different waay, but I think the Cats would have still come out on top.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Jan 24, 2009 6:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
They said that the outcome might have been different.
I think that’s a very fair thing to say.
by BBallSophist on Jan 24, 2009 6:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A healthy Ron Steele most certainly could have made a huge difference ...
… but he hasn’t been healthy in two years.
by Ken Howlett on Jan 24, 2009 7:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Steele:
I’d rather have him than not have him, but honestly it sometimes seems that the other guys stand around (offensively) and ‘watch’ when he’s in the game.
by yellowhammer on Jan 25, 2009 3:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that can be a problem when a team has an uber-talented player.
After Meeks scored 54 against UT many of the UK players mentioned that they found themselves watching Meeks instead of playing the game.
It’s a real shame about Steele. I hate to see such a talented player suffer chronic injury problems.
by Ken Howlett on Jan 25, 2009 8:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
(15) Xavier at LSU on ESPN2
… tonight at 8:00 ET
Would be great to see LSU win.
GBB!!!
by OGETARTS on Jan 24, 2009 6:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Go Big Blue
Nice win… The turnovers are tough… If they can win the next two and then 1 of 2 I think they can stay in the top 25… Liggins and Miller were huge today especially with Harris out… Glad to here he is OK… I like having Porter in there at end of game but not taking the ball out he needs to receive the pass so he can get to the line in late game situation… Nice team effort!!! Meeks continues to be outstanding!!! Hello top 25…
ShagOnSports - "people should know when they are conquered"
by ShagOnSports on Jan 24, 2009 6:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Incomplete and Inconsistent
With the exception of Jodie Meeks, this UK team continues to play very unevenly day to day, game to game. You never know what to expect out of the newcomers: Liggins, Miller, Harrelson and Galloway. Perry Stevenson has played well of late, but I don’t think it would suprise many if he went back into his shell and failed to produce. Michael Porter has significantly regressed from a dependable lead guard to a question mark. Even the dependable Pat Patterson seems bothered by a injury and out of sorts.
Alabama was a poor team before they lost their best player and they didn’t play very well today. Kentucky must, must begin to bring the complete package, limit their turnovers and develop their bench to win against better teams. Wednesday’s and today’s games were not performances worthy of a top 25 ranking.
Two months (!). Two weeks. Two pencils.
by Thomas Hunt Morgan on Jan 24, 2009 6:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Prayers for Ramon.
I pray he is feeling God’s hand and the support of all Kentucky.
Not our best night. Turnovers, Ramonhurt , missed free throws, poor defense. Every win is good, but winning like this can teach a bad lesson to young players. It was not our A game.
by Blueobsessed on Jan 24, 2009 7:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Respectfully disagree to a point
The newcomers are performing game to game as most newcomers do; unevenly. That is to be expected.
Stevenson — I’m not sure what you mean by him going back “into his shell.” Stevenson has been very good for UK for nearly the entire year. He produced big points today because he had to, usually he doesn’t have to because of the presence of Patterson. He’s been a consistent force on defense, and an offensive force when he needs to be.
Porter — I agree with you. This is now two games in a row that he’s played poorly. His confidence level seems to be lacking, and he’s playing unsure with the ball in his hands. The play of Liggins helped offset Porter’s performance, in my view.
I think this is a big win; a road game (3rd road win in a row), against a team that is very long and athletic. You know as I do, that SEC teams especially, put forth tremendous effort against UK.
In the second half UK played great, great D, and shot over 50% from the field. They did turn the ball over, which is disconcerting.
Bench development — Also a concern, as with you. But today Miller, Liggins and Harrelson all contributed in a positive way. I see that as a giant step forward considering they were playing on the road.
by Ken Howlett on Jan 24, 2009 7:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Stevenson doesn't always play to his potential.
Here’s what Gillispie said about Stevenson before the Georgia game: “You never know what you’re getting. And that’s not a good feeling as a coach.” Stevenson should average 12, 13, 14 ppg and 7-10 rpg. He’s that good. For whatever reason, he tends to play up and down. Opened the season with 20 points vs. VMI and then went 8 games without scoring double digits including only five total points in Las Vegas. He’s playing terrific now and hopefully he’ll only continue to build on his recent success.
I agree that Miller and Liggins both played well today, but I feel that the team is never on the same page. When Miller and Liggins play well Harrelson and Porter have subpar games. When Harris has a big game, there’s merely a peep from Stevenon and so on. It just feels like the team is slightly out of sync.
I don’t think most of the team has been playing their best basketball on a consistent basis, and that has to change for the Cats to be a dominant force come March.
Two months (!). Two weeks. Two pencils.
by Thomas Hunt Morgan on Jan 24, 2009 10:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Re: THM
Good points all.
I don’t know … I like Stevenson’s output since the middle of Dec. or so. But I do understand G’s and the fan’s frustrations concerning his up and down point production.
I think that his consistently strong defense alleviates my scoring concerns for PS.
I should have written in my original reply, concerning the newcomers: I’m with you 100% on Harrellson and Galloway. They aren’t playing the minutes I anticipated, for whatever reason, and when they do play, they are sometimes very good, sometimes very bad. Considering neither is a freshman, I would think they’ve had time to acclimate to the elevated level of play they are now facing.
March Force — I agree with you. If they continue to turn the ball over (which is their biggest problem, in my opinion) in March they will suffer an early exit. But if they can learn to value possession, they could go a long way. As you write; consistency, has not yet reared it’s beautiful head.
by Ken Howlett on Jan 24, 2009 11:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
According to Jimmy Dykes on ESPN (UGA-MSU game)
Ramon has been discharged and is on his way back to Kentucky.
So that’s very good news.
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
by NYCCats on Jan 24, 2009 7:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Great news.... thanks for the update.
GBB!!!
by OGETARTS on Jan 24, 2009 7:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Donka NYCCats
That is surely great news for Ramon and his family.
by Ken Howlett on Jan 24, 2009 7:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If you meant to use german there...
…then you should know that it’s “Danke” (-:
by BBallSophist on Jan 24, 2009 7:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Aah, busted.
I wasn’t sure and guessed wrong.
Thanks for the language lesson :)
Hey, shouldn’t the G in German be capitalized? :)
by Ken Howlett on Jan 24, 2009 7:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
In German...
….it would be Deutschland. I have always been amazed that we will call other countries names they do not call themselves and the English grammer rule is that a place is pronounced like the locals pronounce it. Illinois has a silent s and Lima Ohio is like the bean not the town in Peru. :)
by LyricSmith on Jan 25, 2009 1:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The French call Germany Allemande.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
by blbskue on Jan 25, 2009 11:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Beisner said a wise thing
If Porter would watch tape of Liggins (and vice versa) they’d both solve a lot of their problems.
by TheFakeGimelMartinez on Jan 24, 2009 7:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Beisner said a wise thing?
Is that a first? LOL
by Acdixon on Jan 24, 2009 8:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Re: FGM
I just read Beisner’s wrap-up — You might tell him that it doesn’t matter how Stevenson gets his points, they all count the same. He was strong to the hole, which is why he was fouled, and sent to the FT line.
That is all :)
by Ken Howlett on Jan 24, 2009 11:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Just glad for the win.
This is one of those games that could have easily got out of hand for us. If Alabama had hit some big shots with Patterson in foul trouble and Ramon out, it could have turned on us quickly. I think it says volumes about how tough Gillespie’s teams are and I for one think it was a great effort on a night when we were not hitting on all cylinders and several players did not play to their potential. Good game for Meeks and Stevenson and I liked the defensive play of Miller and Liggins. Any road win is good regardless of how ugly. Keep on rolling Cats!
Xbox Live Gamertag: hoopchi
by hoopchi on Jan 24, 2009 8:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
GET WELL SOON RAZOR!!!!!
Didn’t get to see the game today but thanks to truz and ken i feel i havn’t missed a dribble. Thanks guys sea of blue rocks!!!!
Another road SEC win. Not to shabby!! 09 our time to shine!!!!
GO BIG BLUE!!!!
by bigbluefan on Jan 24, 2009 9:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
At 16-4 we are already only two wins behind our total for all of last year.
And we remain the only undefeated team in our conference. Ugly as it may have been, our defense was actually quite good, and I have no trouble celebrating yet another SEC ROAD win.
I think Perry has become reliable, and will continue to star whenever Pat leaves him room.
I was more pleased with Liggins’ offense today than his defense, which continues to be frantic. Praise the Lord, the boy finally hit a 3 (for the first time in 13 games)! He also had his usual 4 infuriating turnovers, but I will point out that his point total was greater than our margin of victory on a night when Porter went 0 for 3 and did not make it to the line.
One could argue that the atypical point production out of the point guard spot was the difference in the game. It saved us on an otherwise ugly offensive night.
Let us hope that DeAndre will not go another 13 games without hitting a three (0 for 22 wasn’t it?), and that Mike Porter will learn how to hit a freakin’ lay-up. I truly believe both of them are capable of consistently better scoring, and if we at least occasionally get double digits out of the point guard spot, it will save us in many a game.
by Ken Pomeroy on Jan 24, 2009 9:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Re: Pomeroy
What, are you crazy ….
Just kidding. Excellent points all :)
by Ken Howlett on Jan 24, 2009 10:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ha!
EE, that is frickin funny! Can’t fault Pom for being objective though. Porter has class, but frankly he has been in the twilight zone for the last couple of games. It’s all about confidence with that kid now. Let’s hope he gains it back soon…………I think he will.
Meeks certainly is making a stronger case for POY everytime out. I really think he is the best go-to guy in the country right now. He’s on a mission from God.
Stevenson was that illusive third scorer tonight when we needed it. Maybe he’s been suckin some confidence out of Porter……….lol.
Nice to see Liggins and Miller step up in the guard position help out when Harris was out. Can’t say how glad I am to hear that the Razor is ok. Very scary for a moment there. My prayers are certainly with him and his fam right now. Hope to see him back next game!
Good road win although it wasn’t pretty. I was impressive with the fortitude the team showed tonight. I really thought they might fold there in the 2nd half, but I was way wrong! Great to see the Cats rolling through the SEC again!!!
by slidemank on Jan 24, 2009 10:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Sorry........
about my poor grammar there. The game wore me out watching and my little girl took care of wearing me out the rest of the way. I think it’s time for dad to hit the sack. NIght all……..
by slidemank on Jan 24, 2009 10:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Porter's confidence
One of the great mysteries of athletic performance: How can a player who had been playing the very best ball of his college career, suddenly play like he’s lost and without confidence.
If I knew why, I’d be a rich man.
by Ken Howlett on Jan 24, 2009 10:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Win
Since we managed to get out of Alabama with a W and it appears that Harris is OK , I am thankful. Otherwise, I saw nothing other than Jodie that was anything but ugly. To quote Huey Lewis, sometimes bad is bad.
But a W is a W!
by LyricSmith on Jan 25, 2009 1:22 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
you're gonna have bad nights...
UNC had a bad night against BC at home (loss)
Wake had a bad night against VA Tech at home (loss)
UCLA had a bad night at WASH (loss)
Mich St had a bad night against Northwestern (loss)
G’town had a bad night against WVU (loss)
I could go on, but the bottom line here is, UK had a bad night at ’bama (but still won)
I’ll take it, move on and get ready for Ole Miss..!
16-4, 5-0…!
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
by vinceuk1 on Jan 25, 2009 8:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Cats Defense
was a thing of beauty! Bama stepped up their defense, but we held them to 29%. I have no idea why the boxscore only has Stevenson with one block. It seemed like he was blocking shots every other time down the floor.
by cthom on Jan 25, 2009 11:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A win...
just like everyone else is saying, its a win. My MVP is Liggins. He played great even with 4 turnovers. Miller had his shot today, under horrible circumstances, and didn’t really capitalize. He played well in every aspect other than scoring, but with the way BG coaches that doesn’t really matter. This was a sloppy win, but Pat didn’t really show up for whatever reason. I don’t expect that to happen often, if ever again, this year.
If you are wondering, I never include Jodie in my MVP voting. Its just a given.
by the spork on Jan 25, 2009 1:50 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Rivals Roundtable
Check this out….. the Cats are coming on strong!
by Clay Mason on Jan 25, 2009 9:02 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
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