Kentucky 81, LSU 55: Postmortem
by Ken Howlett on Feb 6, 2010 9:25 PM EST
in Basketball
37 comments
My apologies for getting the post-game up nearly three hours after the end of the game, but my Internet availability has been spotty for most of the day. KH
The Kentucky Wildcats (22-1, 7-1) did what they were supposed to do this afternoon in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and that is, beat a team with several missing links, badly. The LSU Tigers (9-14, 0-9), though, deserve a hearty congratulations for never giving up, never letting up, and competing until the final horn.
The 81-55 Kentucky road victory represents the second largest margin of victory this team has had against SEC competition (behind the 31 point dismantling of a now surging Arkansas squad), and hopefully the win also indicates that this team is unafraid to keep their boot on the throat of their opponent, regardless of time and score.
For more information on the game that was, follow me after the jump:
As has become commonplace, UK's DeMarcus Cousins played like a man among boys. Scoring 19 points and grabbing 13 rebounds (five offensive) in only 20 minutes of action, Cousins dominated the paint area with some stellar defense, and a plethora of moves around the basket. The only real negative to his game were his four turnovers, which is unusually high for him.
Patrick Patterson, who took the most shots (13) he's taken in a game since January 9 against Georgia, was once again a presence both on the inside and outside. Patterson wasn't on-target with his long-range shot today (1-4 from beyond the arc), but he made 5-9 two-point shots, and grabbed five rebounds, with three of those offensive.
Eric Bledsoe played his most solid game in couple of weeks, making 5-10 shots from the field, grabbing four rebounds and pilfering four steals. Bledsoe was very active on the defensive end of the court, and is just one of the Wildcats responsible for holding LSU to only 31.8% overall shooting, and 18.2% three-point shooting (4-22).
John Wall didn't shoot the ball particularly well today (2-9), but he once again ran the ball-club and distributed the basketball with great efficiency. He many times this afternoon displayed the unfathomable speed he possesses while dribbling the basketball, which enabled him to slice up the Tiger defense, and get the ball to his open teammates. Wall had four assists, but would have had 8-10 dimes if not for Patterson and Cousins being fouled down on the blocks so often.
DeAndre Liggins just keeps on producing: In 18 minutes of action, Liggins had seven points on 2-2 shooting (both three-pointers), he grabbed eight, yes, that's eight rebounds, and had one assist and one steal. His defense, board crashing, and three-point stroke continue to impress. Kudos to Liggins for his great play since being elevated out of the Calipari doghouse.
Darnell Dodson (eight points, two blocks), Ramon Harris (five points, two rebounds in 16 minutes), and Daniel Orton (five points, five rebounds in 15 minutes) all contributed to the team's win.
The points off turnovers battle was won by the 'Cats: 18-9. The points in the paint battle was also won by the 'Cats: 46-22. And finally, the second chance points battle was won by the 'Cats: 17-2. UK won all of these games within the game, but of course they only did what was expected of them, but for a team this young, it's a step forward.
UK, which out-rebounded the smaller Tigers by a count of 53-21 (18-10 off. reb. advantage), completely dominated and dictated pace after the opening few minutes of the game. Holding a 42-14 edge at the half, the 'Cats continued to apply the pressure unrelentingly. This, my friends, was good to see.
The 22nd one bites the dust, and Alabama awaits on Tuesday night.
Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!
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Thanks for the post-game, Ken.
I couldn’t care less when it came. I’m just happy to read it and the comments that will follow as I missed all but like the first 15 minutes of today’s game (I had a birthday party for 9 4-5-year-olds to attend. That was something, let me tell ya : )).
Judging by a quick glance at the box score and this lovely rundown, it appears that our boys took care of business today in Baton Rouge and DeMarcus was his usual fab self. I just love that kid and his mad skills, and I’m sorry that I missed most of today’s game. Looking forward to Tuesday, though! : )
BSC- I missed the entire game (16 year old daughter plays state wide club soccer)...
however, when I returned home I watched the entire match, I mean game, on ESPN 360. It is worth watching Big CUZ and Co, just dominate pretty much the entire game. Needless to write…it is nice to see the growth with focus and on the road as well. GO Cats!
Good timing Ken
I just finished the Bud shoot out>
Happy Days are here again The sky is all ways BLUE again Happy days are here again !
Good Post-game comments-
I had to work today, and only was able to watch bits and pieces of the game, on the break-room tv. I saw that we started slow, but came on strong. LSU, was obviously overmatched. I was happy to see that G’Town put a beat-down on Villanova. Now, we are poised to move up in the rankings, and secure a #1 seed in the big dance. I’m already looking forward to next Sat., when I’m off, so I can fully enjoy the UT game. Don’t want to look past Tue. night either.
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
the cuz train
In post game, cal seems to be getting tired of the stripes “going to the replay” on cuz too much.mad that he gets hacked, tugged, pushed and hit with no calls and they replay his ass on the earliest foul.
I agree. I don’t like how wall and eric are getting beat in the lane and need to bleed to get to the line.
Oh well, fun game to watch. Like it when even the home kids had to clap on wall’s behind the back layup.
Changing how you think will change what you think.
by wilson452 on Feb 6, 2010 10:13 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I haven't heard
Coach Calipari’s post-game comments yet, but I have no doubt that he (like the rest of us) is indeed quite sick of the beating that DeMarcus is taking each and every game from the opposing team as well as the suspicious way he is treated by the refs. (Their rush to the monitor yet again on his behalf was about the last thing I saw of today’s game.)
I don’t know how much good Coach’s comments will do as far as the refs go, but I like the fact that he is standing up for DeMarcus in public like that. It’s good for DeMarcus to hear that his Coach is on his side and that he believes in him enough to preach it to the world. I love that.
Oh, Cal gave that matter quite a bit of attention in the Post-Game Conf
I believe he likened it to taking a beating……
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
he didnt go as far as to say he was giving Cuz the green light to defend himself
but he did say he was really pleased with the way he was handling it
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
Best Post Game Quote
Cal: "It’s not his fault he’s that big." about Cuz
LOL that says it all… call the game as it is… the man is a beast. Every play under the rim with him will look like a bear mauling a small child. I just wish they would let us watch it over a bunch of times too.
Blood.... Blood... Blood makes the grass grow....and mine is BLUE!!!!
Cousins
I haven’t been one to be too bothered by some of Marcus’ behavior, although I have said that, with bad timing, it could cost UK big. But, I thought today’s non-incident was given much too much attention: He grabbed the rebound and cleared to make space. Happens all the time. He clearly had to ill intent, I don’t even think he knew the LSU player was standing behind and to the left of him.
But, the simple fact of the matter is, when one gets a reputation, whether it be deserved, or undeserved, the officials will pay an inordinate amount of attention to the player’s activity. And sometimes, like today, they will stare longingly into the monitor searching for a reason to “T” him up, or assess a flagrant foul.
Ironically, I also agree that the irony is thick (ha). Cousins is hacked on a regular basis, and has been all year, but with the “Shaq Effect” in play, he gets to the line about half as many times as he should. Yet he’s the one with the “bad guy” label.
He’s so dominating though, I don’t think it matters. I honestly can’t recall anyone who’s scored and rebounded so proficiently. And to be a freshman, man, he’s got a bright future.
He also Got Slapped...
…hard across the hands and arms which was shown on the replay. He was basically turning away from the foul that wasn’t called to protect the ball. Clearly no ill-intentions.
Nice Post game
Appreciate the synopsis Ken...
I was good seeing the boys have another fun game today. Wall’s behind the back layup was SICK!
I use to love Happy Meals, now I love sushi, but I will always love Kentucky!
Your're wrong Ken
DeMarcus knew the two players were there, even if he had his eyes closed. One grabbed his left arm and the other his right.
Things are more like they are today than they ever have been.
by 6-6withglacialspeed on Feb 6, 2010 11:23 PM EST reply actions
Did you see that?!!
Not only did you see that, but did you hear that?!! After Wall made that behind the back shot, you could hear even the home crowd gasp and ooh-and-aw! That was awesome! I turned to my uncle and said, “Did you see that!?!!! Did you hear that?!!”
Couple of thoughts in passing...
Much more aggressive PPat – Results show in the box score, even though he was off from the 3-line…
Cuz – gets his 6th double-double in a row; ’nuff said…
JW – Not a great shooting day for him but I seem to remember 4 (pretty sure it was 4, maybe not; OC69 & WW can help here) different occasions where he pushed the ball on the break all the way to the top of the key, saw the drive/pass/alley-oop wasn’t there and turned the ball around. That’s the decision making you want from your point…
Spider (Hat tip to ABC for the inspiration) – Really pushing all the guys that are playing the 3! Razor came in and scored, and while DD’s D was a bit slow today, it’s steady improving… Spider has 8 boards, from the 3 spot?? Just a nose for the ball! If his stroke continues to improve DD will riding the pine more and more!
Ort – If Cuz departs for deeper waters after this season, we’ll be OK in the paint. He showed some nice moves today, a glimpse of the future…
Eric – How ’bout that follow jam on the miss!! WOW
GO CATS!!
If your wings don't sweep....
Orton is improving
Especially on the O side. Great to see. Let me just say for the 10th time here that he will be a 6’10" Chuck Hayes type when he is leaves (hopefully after 3 more years but not likely).
Understandable but disappointing
to see Miller start to slowly disappear from the rotation. Don’t know exactly why but I had such high hopes for his contributions earlier in the season. He seemingly can’t seem to find his place on the court or his shot. With Dodson and Liggins each now better fulfillling their role and providing stability to the 3 position, the Cats are looking far more balanced. Here’s hoping Miller keeps working hard and takes the attitude approach that Liggins did earlier this season.
Miller is a hard worker ....
IMO he just lacks confidence … we’ve all seen how talented this young man is and what he can, at times, do. But, this is a very competitive line up and these guys, in a good way, will continue to challenge each other for playing time … refining and polishing their games as needed to get on the floor … The way Liggins is playing, it would be difficult to deny him playing time.
Liggins is the X-factor on this team to me
We are solid at the other 4 spots and we seem to have good depth beyond the starters … the 3 spot has been the only real unknown for this team – I think Cal has done a good job of giving Darius every opportunity to produce but, Liggins is playing some solid defense and bringing alot of energy and threes – great story for him. And not to ignore Dodson either – great shooter – has got to work on his D. Sometimes I forget that Dodson is only a soph.
Patterson Takes A Step Up
P²’s trip up the stairway toward previous excellence took another step yesterday, to me that was the most important takeaway from the impressive taming of the toothless Tigers. While still quite a ways from his potential the improvement was palpable, that his scoring came mostly on 2-pointers rather 3 and his 6 caroms speaks well for the 4 position. Wall’s low box score numbers belie his contribution to the win but alas will hurt is POY chances. One runs out of superlatives for Demarcus Cousins especially considering his youth — have to go back quite a few years to find a more dominant freshman 5, certainly more impressive than Oden or Griffin. The 3-headed 3 (Dodson, Liggins and MIller) may be sufficient to carry Cats to Indianapolis. Impressed with Cats attitude of dominance on the road, recognized their superiority and responded in workmanlike fashion. Isn’t it difficult to imagine a team to sink so far, so fast as LSU — from conference champs to likely winless in one season (perhaps the Tar Heel’s slide is comparable). I do believe they are the worst power conference team I’ve seen this year.
"The principle of spending money to be paid by posterity, under the name of funding, is but swindling futurity on a large scale." --Thomas Jefferson
Offensive Rebounds On Free Throws
Does anybody track that stat? We have to be #1 in that category! I have never seen a team rebound their own missed free throws so well. So much so that we also seem to get a lot of lane violation calls our way.
Should it concern me...
…that we beat LSU by 28 in the first half, and they beat us by 2 in the second half?
not when you consider how much the starters sat in the second half.....
Cal only kept 2 or 3 starters in at a time the 2nd half after the 10:00 mark
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
good point
After all, we didn’t really let them back in the game.
That’s a step in the right direction for us.
I have seen
no indication that Coach Cal is out to humiliate anyone. Who was the coach at Oklahoma that used to run the scores up so bad? Tubbs?
I dont know if it was humiliation or not, but they used to put up some monster scores.....
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
But I think it was Westphal who used to do it the most, I believe he was at
Loyola Marymount when he did it
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
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