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When Alex Poythress committed to Kentucky back in 2012, he was ranked at the eighth player in the country, second at his position, and considered a top 10 draft pick. A recipe like that usually calls for a one-and-doner, but for a variety of reasons, including injury and unmet expectations, Alex is a senior and a graduate at Kentucky.
But last night, for the first time since he blew up against Duke in 2012, we saw the first-round draft pick Alex Poythress. In the Kentucky Wildcats win over the Alabama Crimson Tide, Poythress led all scorers with 25 points and seven rebounds to go with them.
That was Alex's sixth double-digit scoring game this season. For Alex, this was a game to "get the taste out of everybody's mouth". Hopefully, the 'Cats enjoy the good taste from here on out and we continue to see performances like we saw in Tuscaloosa.
Tweet of the Day
#BBN has spoken, it was never in doubt. Like @UKCoachCalipari said, @AlexTheGreat22 was "ridiculous" pic.twitter.com/OIL3X4mybL
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) January 10, 2016
Alex was the player of the game. Roar, young man.
Kentucky Football
Drake Jackson, Landon Young, and Kash Daniel helped to lead the West to victory in the Army All-American Bowl, 37-9. Daniel had three tackles, one for loss, while Jackson and Young blocked for a 338 yard rushing performance. All three players garnered high praise all through the week.
Kash Daniel was offered a scholarship from Michigan after the game. His response?
I'm #ALLIN with coach stoops and the University of Kentucky. Can't wait to move in tomorrow and start working on Wednesday! #BBN
— Kash Daniel (@KashDaniel15) January 10, 2016
Well I didn't know the all in would have a Clemson paw beside it.
— Kash Daniel (@KashDaniel15) January 10, 2016
That was pretty funny. But really, this kid is special and may make an impact next season. Linebacker is a position in need right now.
This is the mentality that needs to spread throughout the locker room. Mark Stoops has a strong core in the 2016 recruiting class. He needs this class almost as badly as he needs six wins next season.
Former Kentucky quarterback Reese Phillips will play his next football at Montana. I'm still torn at how I feel about the way Phillips and Patrick Towles left the program. At any rate, good look to them both.
Kentucky Basketball
After being challenged by John Calipari, the fans, and teammates, Marcus Lee and Alex Poythress answered the bell last night in the big road win. We already discussed Alex's career night, Marcus Lee added eight points and eleven rebounds in the victory. This is Kentucky's front court. It's becoming more apparent that Skal Labisierre isn't going to be a consistent factor, Issac Humphries is a situational player, and Tai Wynyard isn't ready. This team will go as far as Lee and Poythress take it.
Kentucky reported another minor violation involving rapper Drake.Apparently Tyler Ulis getting a picture with the rapper backstage is a violation. NCAA- you stink.
Jamal Murray had another solid game with 21 points and only one turnover. He's starting to figure out how to not force the issue and choose the best shot. He's shining in Lexington.
Body control. Absorbing contact. Touch. Jamal Murray does things differently. @BeMore27 https://t.co/BK25rBEoCj #CanBall
— NPH (@NorthPoleHoops) January 10, 2016
That was ridiculous.
UK Hoops
The ladies will face a stiff road test in Athens today against the Bulldogs. The 10th ranked Wildcats play today at 2:00 PM.
In the most Cincinnati Bengals loss of all time, they went down 18-16 to the Pittsburgh Steelers last night in a monsoon thanks to a fumble and two boneheaded personal foul penalties. I won't rehash all of the gory details because I am sure all of you watched the game. But all of my Bengals fan friends have had it with the lack of discipline in Cincy. This is the 8th straight loss suffered in the playoffs by the Bengals.
@Bases_Drunk here's your vid RT @Alex_Kozora: Vontaze Burfict's vicious hit on Antonio Brown. #Steelers https://t.co/ijIxawUuQY
— Nick (@SteelCityKid117) January 10, 2016
This was the helmet to helmet hit that killed it for Cincy. Needless and stupid, Vontaze Burfict.
The Kansas City Chiefs dominated the hosting Houston Texans 30-0 in their playoff win. This is a very good Chiefs team.
Today's slate includes the Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings at 1:00 PM and the Green Bay Packers travel to the Washington Redskins at 4:40 PM.
No PowerBall Winner
You probably played the PowerBall like I did. And you lost like I did. In fact, we all lost. The PowerBall is now up to over $1 billion. I'm getting my ticket!
That's all for me today. I have three kids begging for breakfast, a pot of chili to put on, snow on the ground, and NFL Playoffs to enjoy. Have a great Sunday.