Kentucky Wildcats (20) 64, Tennessee Volunteers 58: Postmortem
by Glenn Logan on Mar 6, 2011 2:53 PM EST
in Kentucky Wildcats Basketball
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PrintFaced with the prospect of going 1-7 on the road this season in the SEC and being forced to play four straight days in the SEC Tournament, the Kentucky Wildcats held on to pull out a huge, low-scoring win against the Tennessee Volunteers. Kentucky came back from 10 down in the first half and 7 down at the half to win the game, and they did it in spite of a loathsome first half that was almost as horrible to watch (to a Wildcat fan, at least) as the Saw series. I had to turn my head away many times in the first half, but not in the second.
The Tennessee Volunteers played a very tough, physical defensive game, but as been their wont all year, they had difficulty scoring, primarily because Scotty Hopson just wasn't much good today for long stretches. Hopson did score a bunch from the free throw line in the second half and single-handedly fouled out two of Kentucky's best players, DeAndre Liggins and Doron Lamb, and very nearly put Darius Miller on the bench with five as well. But the Vols just struggled offensively despite a major contribution from Tobias Harris, and in the end, they just couldn't put enough points on the board.
Notwithstanding the fact that this was the season regular-season sweep against our most ancient SEC rival, this game was pregnant with upside for Kentucky, but interestingly, had very little downside. Even if Kentucky had lost this game and left the SEC tournament early, they still likely would have been a five seed in the tournament. This win, plus getting to the SEC final game, gives the 'Cats a decent shot at a four seed, which seemed like a very long shot indeed just three games ago when Kentucky lost a close game on the road to the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Superlatives:
- Brandon Knight was huge in the second half, and he almost single-handedly did the thing that UK could not seem to do in the first -- score. Knight finished with 19 tough points, and every one of them earned with blood and sweat against some of the toughest on-ball defense I have seen in a long time from Tennessee guard Melvin Goins. Game ball.
- DeAndre Liggins may have fouled out, but he led the team in the first half by scoring a couple of huge dunks, made a jumper, and got all up in Scotty Hopson's head as well as his jersey. If Knight had not been so superior, the game ball would have gone to Liggins.
- Doron Lamb was up to his old tricks, making key shots and defending pretty well. Lamb is maturing, and he is one of the most dangerous players in a given game that Kentucky has. Tonight, he was merely timely, but I love his game.
- Terrence Jones once again struggled shooting the ball. The biggest reason for this is that he is too left-handed, and everyone in college basketball knows it. His shots get challenged and he puts them up anyway. Still, he had 12 big rebounds, six of them offensive. He also made key free throws down the stretch.
- Josh Harrellson had a poor first half, but played much tougher in the second half, making some big plays.
- Darius Miller did a spectacular job in the second half. He did a good job on the boards, did a fine job when he guarded Hopson, and made huge shots and free throws. A very good game from Miller was a big reason we won this game.
- Eloy Vargas did a good job in his seven minutes. He blocked a shot, scored a basket and got an offensive rebound. He also got fouled and got to the line. Paraphrasing Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid, "Glenn have hope for you!"
- Jon Hood was forced into the rotation, and did fine, although he failed to impact the box score.
This was a huge, possibly season-changing win for the Wildcats. The NCAA selection committee will see this game an important one when it comes to seeding, and if Kentucky can take care of business in the SEC tournament and at least get to the final, I really do think Kentucky will be rewarded with a four seed. That would be a big help for UK to get past the first weekend in the tournament.
I can't tell you how pleased I am to see this young team get the road monkey off their backs, and in the toughest possible environment. I really loved the toughness this young team showed against an extremely physical Tennessee team, particularly in the second half. Calipari did a terrific job coaching this game, managing foul trouble, and called an out of bounds play that resulted in three scores, two of them layups by Darius Miller.
Big win for the Wildcats, bubble trouble for the Vols. Tennessee now needs at least one win in the SEC to feel reasonably secure in their post-season hopes, and it might even take two. All Kentucky can do now is improve their seed line.
Go, 'Cats!
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Huge game.
Win a close one on the road with major foul trouble. Vargas gives us positive moments. Did I say HUGE!
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
Cal was masterful today - his best job absolutely
A man is nothing more than a summation of his scars!
Kansas
I don’t know what he told them at the half, but I wish I could get the CD :). Let’s hope this propels them upward and onward.
by bigbill992001 on Mar 6, 2011 7:04 PM EST up reply actions
Josh shut down but
3 rebounds in the final 3 minutes… way to go young man
No matter where you're at, there you are
and he got his hand on a couple of missed shots...
that lead to something good.
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Mar 6, 2011 4:04 PM EST up reply actions
yeah
he didn’t add much to the stat line, but he made contributions that don’t show.
by bigbill992001 on Mar 6, 2011 7:06 PM EST up reply actions
That smack of the ball into the backboard to keep it alive near the end was huge
Didn’t add a thing to his line, but still good. On the other hand, where was he in the 1st half.
he was in foul trouble
couldn’t handle UT inside and sat from just over the 10 min mark until almost the end. I can’t believe he got shut out.
by bigbill992001 on Mar 6, 2011 8:14 PM EST up reply actions
Big big win
I will take a 4 seed in the NCAAT. As well as an SEC tournament draw that offers some opportunities for payback.
3 > 2, except for very large values of 2.
Be careful what you wish for :-)
Excessive exuberance will put your butt in a crack every time.
"SPORTS"--Not interested----"CATS"--Pull up a chair,I've got all night.
As long as it doesn't put an extra crack in my butt
A man is nothing more than a summation of his scars!
JLev
I kinda like our chances. I see us playing FL/Vandy for SEC title.
by bigbill992001 on Mar 6, 2011 7:08 PM EST up reply actions
good point about the coaching.
This should (I say should in a reasonable person’s mind, of course) alleviate a lot of that mentality that Pearl is a substantially better bench coach than our beloved Cal. After this, I DON’T WANT TO HEAR IT.
This win, for me anyway, was big on that level (the coaching level) and a team level. I said so in the game thread, but I think it so important that I’ll say it again here; this was a huge win for our young and perhaps road-fragile team to get before heading into SEC tourney play. Big win. We needed this and hopefully the confidence gained by it will propel us to bigger and greater things.
Riding a wave of reborn optimism
I give forth this scenario. UK wins the SEC Tourney over Florida, a projected 3 seed by many. Some of the teams ranked ahead of us fall early and ugly in their tournaments and we sneak into a 3 seed. Long shot, yes, but it could happen.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
Its not impossible - other teams though out the country above us may fall early in their tournaments
A man is nothing more than a summation of his scars!
Florida
I’m not at all sure they will survive to face us.
"SPORTS"--Not interested----"CATS"--Pull up a chair,I've got all night.
The reason my
scenario used Florida is beating them gives us a win over a higher ranked team. Just winning the tournament might not be enough.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
wineman
Would love to beat Fla. I think it would help. I just don’t think they will be there for us to beat.
"SPORTS"--Not interested----"CATS"--Pull up a chair,I've got all night.
They have a rougher road than we do.
“Sometimes you are walking around lucky and don’t even know it.” Can any of you movie buffs tell me where that line comes from?
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
Nope.
From the movie “Let it Ride” with Richard Dreyfus and Terri Garr. It’s about a man with a gambling addiction. Nice movie centered around horse racing.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
I watched that movie a few times and loved Dreyfus he was perfect for the role
A man is nothing more than a summation of his scars!
Great actor,
fantastic in “What about Bob?”
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
I use to go to Churchill years ago with my best buddy
Who was a dead ringer for the character role Dreyfus played. He had all the animation and expressions to play that character – he was a hoot. Before each race he always had to go out and see the horses and check them out. I don’t know if they talked to him or not – maybe one or two did wink..!
A man is nothing more than a summation of his scars!
I still say to this day
“I’ll be peace” and “I’ll be quiet”. Loved the movie.
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
NCAA Seeds
This year, it really doesn’t matter which team is seeded where. This upcoming NCAA tournament is absolutely wide open and several big names will have to re-do or cancel travel arrangements after rounds 1 & 2. Any of 15 or so teams could end up winning it; it should be an interesting egalitarian tournament.
by westcoastKYfan on Mar 6, 2011 4:33 PM EST up reply actions
I was being serious. I am curious what a Vol fan, who is often on this site, thinks about Pearl...
however, i will admit that it is difficult to stomach Tenn bloggers.
The best postmortem I have read all season
Good job Glenn and the Cats prevail. You could see the enjoyment and I think the relief in the guys eyes. The road monkey has been taken off and put in the back of the bus where he will reside for the remainder of our season.
I just love Brandon and his coolness. As you said I may have gave the MVP to Liggings because he wasn’t rattled in either half – great game DeAndre – just super.
A man is nothing more than a summation of his scars!
Liggins
He came to play today. He left everything out on the floor today.I am proud of that young man and all the others.
"SPORTS"--Not interested----"CATS"--Pull up a chair,I've got all night.
Oddity, I found on KSR
How odd is it UK went (6-2 on the road 2009-10 , Losses USC & UT) ; (2-6 in 2010-11 wins at USC & UT)
It would even be more odd
if we went to the Elite 8 and won.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
Against West Virginia
3 > 2, except for very large values of 2.
Now you are
getting just plain giddy.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
I'm not done yet
They beat Duke in the Sweet 16.
3 > 2, except for very large values of 2.
Hmmm....Well played sir.
Well played indeed.
3 > 2, except for very large values of 2.
Maybe another thrashing of the Big East's Notre Dame
(or UL)
After all the Big East is so much better than everyone else.
Prefer Cards Rather Than Irish
ND’s experience and offensive execution scare me.
"I bring reason to your ears, and, in language as plain as ABC, hold up truth to your eyes." Thomas Paine, December 23, 1776
While that would be nice
I am not sure we have anything left to prove against them and they would be difficult to beat twice this year.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
I would welcome that.
I don’t think Huggins has Cal’s number. A few wins here and there, but Cal can take him.
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
and,
it would be really nice if my Aunt in WV would have to call me after a game with congrats instead of the other way around. Ugh. One of the toughest calls I’ve ever had to make last year, let me tell you.
It matters not. I put no weight in that stat Forty.
It comes down to each individual game. Too many Cinderella teams have proven that to be true. So do you think if we have to play WVU in the tourney we should forfeit? I think, no way.
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
+1
all we need to worry about now is the next game.
And nothing else.
"SPORTS"--Not interested----"CATS"--Pull up a chair,I've got all night.
+1
all we care about now is to win our last game of the yr.
by bigbill992001 on Mar 6, 2011 10:33 PM EST up reply actions
I said this in the game thread
I felt a great deal of emotion to finally, finally, get the road win in a tight game. That shows immense improvement in these young Cats.
In regard to another thread earlier this weak, Knight showed real swagger in the second half. Jones was big, big on the boards. And although he didn’t impact the game much in the first 37 minutes, Harrelson was absolutely huge on the boards in the final 3.
Miller, once again, showed up positively on the offensive end. His two dunks off in-bounds plays were timely and his two big threes were absolutely critical.
Second Half Adjustments
Whether they limited to attitude alone will require rewatching (my guess is there were more) but whatever they deserve recognition of coaches for designing and players for executing — a further indication of maturity. Definitely something on which to bulld.
"I bring reason to your ears, and, in language as plain as ABC, hold up truth to your eyes." Thomas Paine, December 23, 1776
by Wild Weasel on Mar 6, 2011 3:27 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Coach Cal
said that they switched offenses in the second half because they weren’t able to penetrate.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
wineman
what did they switch to?
"SPORTS"--Not interested----"CATS"--Pull up a chair,I've got all night.
The DDMO wasn't working and the commentators mentioned that - UT wasn't allowing it
A man is nothing more than a summation of his scars!
That's what I thought
Just finished watching it again for the DSS and while I’m not sure I could put my finger exactly on what changed, UK did seem to be looking for more perimeter shots than drives
3 > 2, except for very large values of 2.
WW
I think the coaches switched them to that old time strategy of putting the ball in the hole. In some ways, this game was a mirror image of the Vandy game. We missed a ton of shots in the 1st half and got down big, came back in the second half when we started making baskets. Game was basically won on 3pt. shooting and rebounding, with some decent FT shooting down the stretch.
by bigbill992001 on Mar 6, 2011 7:19 PM EST up reply actions
good line...
“old time strategy of putting the ball in the hole”…
"Every sweet has it's sour, every evil it's good."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
I know everyone loves cocky players that can do it
But Knight’s low keyed ways have won my heart – the kid gives us everything he has 100%.
A man is nothing more than a summation of his scars!
Glenn
this is the third or fourth time lately that you have complimented Vargas on his play. I don’t think we realise how much he is improving. Miller is starting to play with confidence. This game was make or break for the Cats. I had a pretty good bet on them to win by 2+. The first half had me worried so I went out to the shop at the half and pulled the game winner out of a gun safe. My old John Deere hat is now back in the safe waiting to be brought out again for the next national emergency. I have worn this hat three times and each time it has come through. Not a supersticious bone in my body.
"SPORTS"--Not interested----"CATS"--Pull up a chair,I've got all night.
all my bones are superstitious.
So, can I please implore you to keep that darn hat on? Attach it to your head if you have to from here on out, just keep it on during game time. It can’t hurt.
(as an aside, I’m a farm girl at heart (my dad, my uncles, they are all farmers and I was raised on a farm) and my cousin is an engineer for John Deere in Germany. Good company, good product and good for you. : ))
I am afraid to
If I wear it too much, It might lose all its mojo. Just for you, I will place it in the bookcase above the TV for the next game. We get behind, it goes back in the safe.
"SPORTS"--Not interested----"CATS"--Pull up a chair,I've got all night.
You just want to know how skeered you should be of BSC. I know it. :-)
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
I can see
that you haven’t faced the wrath of Khan yet.
"SPORTS"--Not interested----"CATS"--Pull up a chair,I've got all night.
wait, what?
I’m not scary on the internet, am I? Oh, dear. Now y’all have me worried about how I come across. Hmmm?
Not at all BSC. Didn't mean to make you worry. I was being silly.
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
Either that or.......NONE of your beeswax. "-)
Sorry, I will try to stop being silly. Don’t think it will happen, but I can try. (She probably did).
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
BSC,they are just trying to get on your good side
"SPORTS"--Not interested----"CATS"--Pull up a chair,I've got all night.
Good grief,
I thought you had pulled out a pistol to shoot the TV. I met a lady once who claimed she blew her TV away after the ’92 game.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
a2
Are you as happy as I am? This game was the key to our whole season. and they didn’t fold. I wish we could all line up and tell them one by one how proud we are of them.
"SPORTS"--Not interested----"CATS"--Pull up a chair,I've got all night.
16-4 In First 20 Games
About then, lost starting PG to injury and back-up PG to transfer.
1-9 in next 10 games.
Gophers fell apart.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 6, 2011 4:42 PM EST up reply actions
If they run Tubby off
They are as crazy as we are. The same goes for Arkansas. But I do know that Ark. is full of crazy people
"SPORTS"--Not interested----"CATS"--Pull up a chair,I've got all night.
No
See the Fan Shot that I posted on that topic.
He’s quoted – Absolutely Not.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 6, 2011 5:01 PM EST up reply actions
All of you who lost faith in the first half should have to do pushups!!!......lol
I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!
by Greg Alan Edwards on Mar 6, 2011 3:38 PM EST reply actions
That's one of the reasons I don't usually participate in game threads.
I can say anything.
I was scared, but I didn’t lose faith.
I may have lost my religion for a few minutes,
But I never lost faith.
I don't think we need to do pushups
The first half performance was abysmal… agreed? As I recall no one lost hope. What did you want the the posts to be, a chorus of Kumbaya? One person posted that chopping UT’s lead to seven points at the half would allow UK to calm down and regroup. A double digit lead might have been trouble but 7 points was doable.
Seven point lead at the half. Smart guy — oh yeah, that was me.
No matter where you're at, there you are
He whose accomplishments shine the most,
are oft the least inclined to boast. :))
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
I appreciate you giving me a plural on accomplishments
thanks
No matter where you're at, there you are
Um yeah,
and if we want to get competitive, I think I said that exact same thing.
/going to check timing of said posts. ; )
I hear ya.
although, there is a part of me that kinda hopes I never grow up, you know? I want to stay young, fresh and fun forever!
Up to me to stay young? Tell that to my knees, and my pickup games at the Y
No matter where you're at, there you are
Teenagers, you need some
They will take the young, fresh and fun right out of you forever.
"SPORTS"--Not interested----"CATS"--Pull up a chair,I've got all night.
The heck you say :-)
I could the moaning and groaning from upstairs where I was watching the game. Go back and read the threads tomorrow. If we are not ahead by 20, most everybody, including me, is whining and crying.
"SPORTS"--Not interested----"CATS"--Pull up a chair,I've got all night.
whining and crying is not giving up
what can one expect during that first half… let’s all hold hands and plant flowers. They played like crap. The good news is UT really didn’t play all that well and Cal is our coach
No matter where you're at, there you are
Bracket And Talk
http://vaughtsviews.com/?p=9706
"I bring reason to your ears, and, in language as plain as ABC, hold up truth to your eyes." Thomas Paine, December 23, 1776
by Wild Weasel on Mar 6, 2011 3:56 PM EST via mobile reply actions
OMG.
Did we just do ourselves a big favor or what? We have the best draw in the tournament.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
UT is in a mess with that slot. Well, I guess the Blue Flu will be cranking up around
2:00ish CST on Friday. That gives me 30 minutes to get home, and get set up in front of the game. What is that SEC network business; I thought these games were normally on CBS? Or am I thinking of NCAA?
I am already starting to feel sick
but I’m thinking it won’t kick it good til later in the week. And then start again, say, a week from Thursday.
by blue kentucky girl on Mar 6, 2011 5:02 PM EST up reply actions
Glad UK won
Hi, everybody. I agree with comments about UK’s second half play and Cal’s coaching. It was a critical win for this team and I’m really glad for them. A few observations on a rainy day.
For UK to win, they must shoot threes and a lot of them. UK made 5 more threes than TN today; about the margin of victory.
If a team wants to beat UK, in my opinion here’s how. These are things which cannot be fixed at this point in the season and thus UK must overcome them each time out.
1. On defense, beat up Knight as much as possible and clog up the middle preventing drives, and make UK beat you from the three point area. Press them as much as possible to test their endurance (see below).
2. On offense, if you have a competent big guy, get him the ball, and perhaps secondarily, get it to Jones’ man, whether its his guy on man to man defense or if UK is in a zone, the man closest to Jones. Finally, if you have a bench and can substitute without too much falloff, make sure you move the ball a lot on offense to physically and mentally wear out UK’s players.
I hate typing this, but in the NCAA, teams which are the most accomplished and play competently usually win, not those which rely largely on their talent. This UK team has trouble playing competently however hard they try. I really hope UK finds some ways to get to the Sweet 16 or beyond; I remain a longstanding fan.
Have a nice Sunday and on to the next game.
I think going at Jones is a mistake unless it is on the perimeter
Jones has quiely gotten a lot better at defending without fouling and if teams try to go at him near the basket they will come away with empty possessions more often than not.
On the perimeter it’s a different story though. Jones hasn’t been nearly as good defensively there.
3 > 2, except for very large values of 2.
JLev
Around the basket, he is tough to score on. Are you going to do a DSS on this game?
"SPORTS"--Not interested----"CATS"--Pull up a chair,I've got all night.
yup
For some reason CBS left the game up so I was able to re-watch it. This should be interesting as Tennessee is the first team that I’ll have accurate (or at least as accurate as these things get) sheets for both games.
3 > 2, except for very large values of 2.
Seeing a good NCAA tournament for these young Cats.
The domination of the O glass was impressive. Good luck in the SEC tourney.
"Barking Carnival":http://www.barkingcarnival.com
Thanks
We will take all the luck we can get. Had a good friend from Deer Park outside Houston who used to flash the sign and yell “hook em horns” anywhere anytime, especially when we had a snoot full.
"SPORTS"--Not interested----"CATS"--Pull up a chair,I've got all night.
are you seriously asking BoBo? Or being rhetorical?
Besides, I stuck pins in my BoBo doll earlier when he started getting feisty. He may still be out shopping for band aids
by StillCatwoman on Mar 6, 2011 4:39 PM EST up reply actions
I'm kidding. I just figured BoBo had gone into hiding/mourning/ something
by StillCatwoman on Mar 6, 2011 4:47 PM EST up reply actions
I love the fact that bobo
feels comfortable to come over and shoot the shit with us UK fans, but I really did think he would have learned his lesson from our last meeting. You never ever go to a rivals fan board the day of the game, or to make matters worse, during the game, to talk about how great your team is. You just don’t do it. It bites you in the ass 10 times out of 10.
But he did take what he thought was a gift for UT fans when he was here today.
Pasted a couple of comments from ABC and Glenn. The said comments were from the first half, btw.
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
Ahh...UT fans...
a slightly more mature version of Louisville fans. They just don’t understand not to poke the big dogs…err…cats…
well, i have to give them some credit...
for simply understanding that language is more than four letter words (at least on comparison of RTT and CC).
Wow
Work 3rd shift an just watched the game. These boys have grown up. Ugly first half but the fought and scrapped for 40 min. They never give up. Brandon Knight has took this team on his back. Really good win, my expectations for the tournament has just gone up. If the girls could pull a sweep today, I think I will paint my car blue and call in tonight and drive across Tennessee tomorrow screaming Go Big Blue! Bleed Blue, Puke Orange!
by Dewayne. on Mar 6, 2011 4:41 PM EST via mobile reply actions
KSR has the first full bracket I've seen
http://kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=74804
No matter where you're at, there you are
As I'd hoped
Only one, Vandy or Florida, will make it to Sunday. That’s great for UK as they along with UK are the class of the SECT this year. Barring a desperate team that gets hot, of course.
No matter where you're at, there you are
Hope it is not UT,
don’t want to see them again this year.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
I thought we played the late game Friday?!
That sucks. Work is so inconvenient in March.
by blue kentucky girl on Mar 6, 2011 5:07 PM EST up reply actions
Looks like 3:30 EST Friday.
This one has the SEC logo, probably correct.
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
I can get home by then.
Don’t know if I’ll have it on TV here in MD. If not I hope ESPN3 does it justice.
Already checked...
Couldn’t find SEC tourney on TV, but ESPN3 has the listing as available for live broadcast. Here’s hoping the feed is decent…
I thought I'd explained this to you; the Blue Flu is going around. You will catch it around
noon-ish on Friday.
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!......you poor thang
#1, I don’t wake up til about 10am………LOL. Even if I get up at 6. #2, there’s NO WAY I could exercise at that hr. I’d have a heart attack, for sure. I admire your dedication. You go, girl :)
by bigbill992001 on Mar 6, 2011 8:17 PM EST up reply actions
thanks, cincy,
I’ll put this up on the front page as a fanshot so everyone can see and plan accordingly. Thanks, again. : )
My goodness, look at Vandy
a 10 PM game, followed by another 10PM game and then another game 15 hours later, if they make it. That’s just wrong. Granted there’s the “there but for the grace of God go I ( UK as 3 seed)” — or the “make your bed, lie in it” stuff but still….
I don’t dislike Vandy and certainly the current seeding rules stink.
No matter where you're at, there you are
We actually ended up
with a better path to the SEC Championship game than Florida. Let’s hope we take advantage of this stroke of luck.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
Anybody watching Lady Cats?
Playing hard, but Stricklen for UT is 5-5 3FGs. UK needs to make a few more shots, but my are the aggressive on both ends.
I just
watched most of the game again. As before in games I think Jones is the one that is threatening both my sanity and my health. I feel like I am five. I love him. I can’t stand what he does. I love him. What is he thinking? Oh…look at what he did!
And so forth and so forth. I can’t make up my mind if he is basketball smart or not. He is certainly talented. And he is certainly young. I may not make it to seeing him grow up in the game at least not without some clearance from my cardiologist. Just kidding..I do not currently have one but I think tomorrow I may try to get an appointment to make sure I can risk watching the rest of this season.
Agree
Jones is talented, but he seems to want to get by on raw talent alone; that will not cut it from here on, I’m afraid. Overall he’s certainly contributed to UK’s winning record, though.
by westcoastKYfan on Mar 6, 2011 8:17 PM EST up reply actions
oh, no doubt about his contributions
He just doesn’t always play smart, tho. He’s a horse inside. I just wish that he and Josh would forget about the 3s. I cringe every time they put one up. They’re both what? 1 for the last forever?
by bigbill992001 on Mar 6, 2011 8:22 PM EST up reply actions
+1
the bad part is every player and coach in America has figured that out by now. You can see everyone guarding him to one side.
Another
thing we can pin on Jimmy Dykes. His rigid shot form is part of his problem.and he seems unable to always assess the floor. I don’t know where his range is and I don’t think he does either. He is our wildest of the wild cards from here forward.
Great win
I haven’t taken the time to read the gazillion posts in this thread (deservingly so) and because of that I probably will repeat what has already been said.This was a very important,physical win agaisnt a big time rival. 10-6 in the SEC is pretty darn good for a young team with little debth. Now on to the SECT and I really think the championship is there for the taking. And that’s something I wouldn’t have said just a week or so ago. This team may be beginning to peak at just the right time.
Random Thoughts After Review
After a one-time review (no game for 5 days so there’s plenty of time for more) here’s a few observations:
1) Big difference in first and second half was the ability to hit the early 3’s and that boosted Cats’ confidence and changed the whole offensive and defensive approach by both teams. I wouldn’t be surprised if Calipari didn’t tell Knight that he was being intimidated by Goins and that it was up to him to make something happen.
2) Liggins was near solely responsible for keeping first half from being a disaster. Sure wish he played as smart as he plays hard but I’ll take hard if it’s the only choice.
3) Lamb has the worst defensive fundamentals I’ve seen from a reasonably athletic individual and most of it is that his spine is rigid thus preventing him from bending over into proper defensive position. Good thing he can shoot.
4) Harrellson’s last few minutes of good plays just about cancels out his earlier fadeout and miscues. Surely against foes such as those today there must be a way to get him the ball — he was open numerous times, called for ball but perimeter players ignored him — even if he doesn’t attempt to score it would surely free some others. Obviously that’s not allowed by game plan.
5) If this and recent games are any indication Miller has learned from his Ole Miss reticence and appears to take shots with confidence. On his last 3 I yelled, shoot the ball, before he caught it. Would have been pleased even if it missed.
6) Jones has great, quick and strong hands but considering his athletic ability he’s far too easy to defend but that will change with practice, coaching (especially on shooting mechanics) and experience. Just hope he stays around for the opportunity.
7) Vargas’ best 7 minutes of the season. Hood appeared totally lost especially on defense and nearly caused a turnover by not moving to the ball when Knight was trapped. Can’t see any minutes for him next year.
8) Further evidence that as Knight goes, so goes UK.
"I bring reason to your ears, and, in language as plain as ABC, hold up truth to your eyes." Thomas Paine, December 23, 1776
Lamb's Defense
Notice next time that he also crosses his feet when moving vertically and horizontally. Not much, but he does.
I meant to comment on your recent comments regarding the physical strength of this team and their “high school” bodies. I completely agree. The physical maturity of last’s freshmen was an aberration.
In addition to UK I am a big fan of the Arsenal Football Club and for the last five years or so the manager has completely overhauled the roster and gone to young players that are very talented,. Arsenal has been very good over this period, but hasn’t won any trophies. The Arsenal soccer team, like the current crop at UK, has young and great talent and has a very difficult time competing with more experienced players when those players are focused, well coached and physical. Like UK, Arsenal has lost or tied a number of games where they were clearly more talented, but couldn’t overcome the raw strength, grit, and experience of focused older players.
This UK team doesn’t have enough talent or depth to overcome the physical maturity of older players when those players are focused. I.E. when the opposition is playing at home. It doesn’t matter how much you want it, when you physically can’t stand up to it.
Like any good coach, Coach Cal continually challenges his team to be tougher because he knows they will grow up and get tougher (really stronger) and other than more depth that is the key ingredient they lack.
Today was great, but UT isn’t that good of an offensive team and they were missing Williams.
by darkandbloody@gmail.com on Mar 7, 2011 12:56 AM EST up reply actions
Gr8t Game Today!!!
It was a great win! Three to finish and a desperately-needed road win agaisnt a team that was in the corner, and at an arena where we’ve not had a great amount of success!
As far as teh SEC Tourney, I believe we will win it, though each game will be a fight.
Concernign the NCAA Tourney, I have very few hopes that we’ll get a weak bracket: the NCAA Seeders have traditionally placed us in tugh brackets, no matter where we are seeded. Had we had Dukes cake walk of a bracket last year, we’d have been the ones defeating Butler, not the Blue Devils. At any rate, I have every confidence that the NCAA Seedng won’t make a hill of beans of difference, and really, neither wil lwinning the SEC Tourney: we’ll get a tough one, and each NCAA Game will be as much a fight as the SEC Tourney.
However, I still believe we will march to a Final Four Appearance….especially so long as the `Cats keep playing tugh like they have been. Hopefully, they’ll take these game one at a time as they come….
"I will never leave you nor forsake you."
--Jesus Christ
Weasel
1. I would love to know what was said in the locker room at half time. Cal was talking to Knight on the sidelines during free throws. It seemed to be more encouragement than chewing.
4. Josh has asked for the ball several times over the last few games. even an occasional play for Josh would force the defense to guard him closer and allow Jones to play more one on one instead of one on two.
5. I think you will be happy with Miller the rest of the year.
6. Who would have thought that Jones would be a better defender than an offensive player? To me, he is
7. We are going to need Vargas in the tourney and I think he is going to produce. He is getting better every game.
8. knight is the glue for this team. Liggins is the heart of the defense, he gives everything he has in every game.
"SPORTS"--Not interested----"CATS"--Pull up a chair,I've got all night.
You know what I love?
Winning…
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel, is just a freight train coming your way...
@btcoop71
"Forget the curveball Ricky,give him the heater."
Sorry..everytime I see Charlie Sheen I think of the movie “Major League”.
by maysvilleblue on Mar 7, 2011 9:45 AM EST up reply actions
What's sad to say is that Charlie is just like that character - maybe wackier
A man is nothing more than a summation of his scars!
That's why I don't understand...
why he gets so much credit for his acting on "Two and a Half Men. There is no acting involved.
by maysvilleblue on Mar 7, 2011 10:53 AM EST up reply actions
Charlie Sheen
Is he insane? Let’s see, plenty of money and beautiful women to play with and get into trouble with, and a teflon coating when it comes to his fans. If that’s crazy, I’m in.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
Oh he is crazy
And because of it he will lose it all….and his marbles too. The sane guys realizes he has the money,women and wants to keep them. The insane guy,like Sheen,lets it all slip away and stupidly so. I’m certainly not holier than thou but the the guy has kids. Grow up and act responsible for once.
by maysvilleblue on Mar 8, 2011 9:38 AM EST up reply actions
Bye-winning.
As they are wont to say over on KSR.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
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