#10 UKHOOPS Vs. Mississippi State : Game Preview & Live Game Thread : For All The Marbles

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 12:55 PM EST

Date:Feb. 26, 2012
Location: Starkville, Miss.
Time:1:30 p.m. ET

Coverage

TV:ESPNU
Radio:UK IMG

All the marbles, the whole enchilada, the big kahuna, call it whatever you like, but this one is big. A win against Mississippi State and UKHOOPS stands alone atop Mt. SEC. And the air is surely rarefied up there. If you are a Tennessee fan, you have tasted it regularly, an LSU fan, you have gotten a breath or two. But if you are Kentucky, you have not seen that mountaintop since 1982. Remember 1982? I graduated High School that year. Journey, Boston, REO Speedwagon, Bruce Springsteen, and even the likes of Rick Springfield were popular in that day. John Mellencamp was still a cougar.

It was a simpler world back then. Oh for the days. More reminicing after the jump ...

In 1982 Head Coach Terry Hall was in the third year after inheriting the Lady Kats from Debbie Yow. Yes, the same Debbie You who now serves as AD at NC State. The same Yow who has basketball coaching in her entire family tree. Debbie is sister to Kay and Susan Yow, and cousin to Virgil Yow, all whom have been Div I Head Coaches for either men or women. Virgil Yow was the first NCAA Head Coach to allow a woman to play for a men's team. (Enter NCAA Stage Right) The Lady Wildcats were led by future All-American Valerie Still and Patty Jo Hedges in those days, and they didn't like to take prisoners. A year later they reached their highest ranking in the coaches poll at #4, which this year's UKHOOPS squad almost reached as well.

But enough about the past, because this team is all about the future. There are three Seniors on this squad, all of whom are contributors in every game. But the true strength lies in UK's underclass players. Amber Smith, a 5th year senior is the point guard and floor leader of this team, but the heart and soul of UK Women's Basketball is A'Dia Mathies. An All-American and SEC Player of the Year candidate, Mathies leads the team in almost every statistical category, including scoring (15.2), steals (2.7), 3-point field goals made (42) and 3-point field goal percentage (.375). She is also second on the team in rebounding (5.3), assists (2.7) and blocks (0.7). That is a leader righ there folks. Mathies brings to mind Jamal Mashburn. She does everything they need her to do, every time it needs done. When Victoria Dunlap graduated last season, there was a huge hole to fill, and the SEC Freshman of The Year was more than ready to step up to the plate.

Mississippi State and Head Coach Sharon Fanning-Otis, yes, the former head coach of the Lady Kats, will be waiting for UK with teeth and paws bared. They are coming off of a hard road loss to Florida and being at home is going to make them that much tougher. Mississippi State is 14-14, 4-11 and wants to end their season on a high note badly. When you stand between a team and a winning or losing record, it's just exactly like being stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Throw in the facts that the game is played in Starkville, and it is MSU's Senior Day, and there are just a world of variables for the UK Ladies to overcome. And if that was not enough, last week Coach Fanning-Otis announced her retirement. Talk about stacking the deck against you. Like we needed more pressure. Emotions are going to be running high enough without all that drama.

It is time to get in the game Big Blue Nation. We DreadHeads are going to need your help to get behind the Hoops squad and help them get through this one and take that SEC Regular Season crown that is at stake in Starkville. You think that the men face big time games every year? How many seasons has it been since the men won the SEC Regular Season Championship? Oh yeah, last year. Thirty years is a really long time between titles. Far too long for any team with the letters KENTUCKY across the chest of their jerseys. Let's go get this one back.

Editing Note: We will use this as the Live Game Thread for today. Everything that need said has already been said. It's time to go to work.

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Comments

Where can I watch the game on the internet?

I don’t have U or espn3 available. Help, and go Kats!

by UK1972 on Feb 26, 2012 1:00 PM EST reply actions

as per usual......nothing is out there in the obvious places.....

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 1:13 PM EST up reply actions

2 basketball losses at home in three years for BOTH programs.....AMAZING!!!

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 1:21 PM EST reply actions

Good job Walker!!!

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 1:34 PM EST reply actions

MSU gets away with a shove underneath

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 1:36 PM EST reply actions

Great defensive intensity....forcing the TO's......this is UK's game......nice start

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 1:37 PM EST reply actions

If we had a better shooting eye, we would be undefeated

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 1:40 PM EST reply actions

UK6-MSU 5 15:45 mark

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 1:40 PM EST reply actions

Pace favors UK, execution favors MSU......

we are missing out on opportunities

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 1:49 PM EST reply actions

UK 10- MSU 7 12:13 mark

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 1:49 PM EST reply actions

UK 19- MSU 9 7:58

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 2:00 PM EST reply actions

UK shooting 42% MSU 21%

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 2:01 PM EST up reply actions

REALLY great D.....REALLY terrible shooting

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 2:06 PM EST reply actions

Just now getting here folks. This team is really looking good.

Go Cats!

by bluegrassgal on Feb 26, 2012 2:08 PM EST reply actions

Best D in the counrty right now

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 2:08 PM EST up reply actions

UK 29- MSU 12 3:59 mark.....

Valerie Still……greatest scorer in Kentucky Basketball History…..

Some folks would NOT want to hear that!!!….lol

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 2:11 PM EST reply actions

Announcers reports that Lady Kat Val Steele has 6 ft 8 in son that is a wildcat. Are the ...

Wildcats recruiting Val Steele’s son?

by blue oregon on Feb 26, 2012 2:13 PM EST reply actions

Dont know.....we need Alex checking on that!!!

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 2:14 PM EST up reply actions

This D is just stifling MSU.....they cannot find any rhythm at all

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 2:16 PM EST reply actions

14 TO's forced on MSU./....31-7 scoring run by UK.....

Can’t do it much better than this

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 2:19 PM EST reply actions

If we were shooting 50%, we would be up by 50

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 2:19 PM EST up reply actions

I love the way the team looks so united; I get the feeling they

love and respect one another. Truly a team in the best sense of the word.

by bluegrassgal on Feb 26, 2012 2:20 PM EST reply actions

Energy is back. I guess the ladies after hitting the wall, they have busted through.

by UK1972 on Feb 26, 2012 2:20 PM EST reply actions

Be prepared for Stallworth next year folks......

she is going to be something

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 2:22 PM EST reply actions

what position she play?

by UKWildcats #1 on Feb 26, 2012 2:23 PM EST up reply actions

plays in the middle.......6'3".....post player.....

big and not afraid to bang…have a look here

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 2:25 PM EST up reply actions

thanks for the linky

by UKWildcats #1 on Feb 26, 2012 2:27 PM EST up reply actions

you r welcome!!!

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 2:29 PM EST up reply actions

Those Lady Cats are rollin'

by UKWildcats #1 on Feb 26, 2012 2:22 PM EST reply actions

That was one amazing half of basketball......defensively......

I know I keep hounding them about their shooting…..but it is a weakness they need to work on, and they know it. But they play so hard they overcome it.

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 2:26 PM EST reply actions

If the other team doesn't score, don't need much offense.

by UK1972 on Feb 26, 2012 2:29 PM EST up reply actions

and that is what they count on.....if you cant get to the 3 pt line, you cant score much.....and they play to keep the other team in their back court

or in the 1st third of the front court. They pick you up at the base line under the basket……lol

And it’s a trapping press…..a hard trapping press…..

I always say that Mitchell is channelling Nolan Richardson…..

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 2:31 PM EST up reply actions

UK always has more FG attempts than their opponents.

by UK1972 on Feb 26, 2012 2:49 PM EST up reply actions

IF stats are your thing.....

have a look at these from the first half………something to be impressed with

Clik on team stats in upper right hand box score

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 2:29 PM EST reply actions

UK actually shooting a little better than I was giving them credit for.....

and it isnt that they miss so many, they just have a tendency to miss wide open looks

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 2:36 PM EST up reply actions

Kentucky/Vandy Highlights at halftime. Davis falling down layup was a Top 10 play this morning :)

by blue oregon on Feb 26, 2012 2:29 PM EST reply actions

They have tightened up the d.....HOW, I have no idea!!!

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 2:45 PM EST reply actions

UK 52- MSU-21......

There is an SEC Championship right here folks…..

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 2:48 PM EST reply actions

UK 60- MSU 27 10:01

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 3:01 PM EST reply actions

These Ladies are bringin' it today

and winning the title with ease.

GO BIG BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by UKWildcats #1 on Feb 26, 2012 3:03 PM EST reply actions

UK 64- MSU 29 7:39 mark

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 3:06 PM EST reply actions

score & time left please

by ukfan24 on Feb 26, 2012 3:19 PM EST reply actions

68-35 4:16

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 3:20 PM EST reply actions

thanks!! Go Lady Cats

by ukfan24 on Feb 26, 2012 3:21 PM EST reply actions

Should have been a flagrant foul......that was an elbow to the head

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 3:21 PM EST reply actions

71-35 Cats.......3:56 remaining.....

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 3:23 PM EST reply actions

Thanks for the updates!!!!1

by ukfan24 on Feb 26, 2012 3:24 PM EST reply actions

no problem

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 3:25 PM EST up reply actions

~Ahhhhh!!!!! C-A-T-S~~~~~

CATS!
CATS!
CATS!

Great weekend to be a Wildcat fan and GO CATS’

by UKWildcats #1 on Feb 26, 2012 3:25 PM EST reply actions

UK losing some focus......guess its only natural...

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 3:27 PM EST reply actions

UK 76 - MSU 40 SEC Champs Baby!!!

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 3:31 PM EST reply actions

When was the last time Ladies & Men were conf champs in the same season if any?

by ukfan24 on Feb 26, 2012 3:31 PM EST reply actions

1982........

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 3:32 PM EST up reply actions

true!

by UKWildcats #1 on Feb 26, 2012 3:32 PM EST reply actions

Great for Them! Now on to the Conference Tournament. Hope they win that to!!

by ukfan24 on Feb 26, 2012 3:34 PM EST reply actions

+1

Me too.

by UKWildcats #1 on Feb 26, 2012 3:36 PM EST up reply actions

Postmortem in about 1 hr......I want to make this a good one!!!

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 3:34 PM EST reply actions

Postmortem up!!!

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 26, 2012 4:34 PM EST reply actions

Wonderful accomplishment for the women. Of course BBN is the only place it is mentioned. ESPN snubbed us as usual. Who cares! They still won and as the old song goes, “You Can’t Take That Away From Me.”

by bigboyblue on Feb 26, 2012 4:59 PM EST reply actions