Yesterday was a huge day for Kentucky basketball. Say what you will about the ESPN team, and we're all aware of the ups and downs that we've had from their personalities throughout the season (we're looking at you Pat Forde and Bob Knight); but yesterday they showcased the UK program, and it was an amazing opportunity for Cal to do what he does best, market the UK brand.
The team did their part to make it a perfect day, beating the Vols by 11. Tennessee is better than most realize; they're #12 in the country and deservedly so. They play an intense brand of basketball and whether we care to admit it or not, Bruce Pearl coaches them well. Before John Calipari came to Kentucky, Tennessee had moved past both Florida and Kentucky as the top program in the SEC East. They came ready to play last night, and for 32 minutes, were just as good or better than the Cats.
However, late in the second half, UK's superior talent finally took over. The tandem that Dick Vitale called the best freshman duo in 30 years was good as usual, but Cousins was equalized by the stingy Volunteer zone for most of the game. As we've already talked about, had he been able to knock down his free throws, he would have kept his streak of consecutive double-doubles intact. However, he still had 12 boards and a couple of big baskets. Meanwhile, John Wall and Eric Bledsoe took over the game down the stretch and Tennessee had no answer.
Once again, Deandre Liggins proved to be a significant spark off the bench. Cal said after the game that there's not a more important player at Kentucky right now than Liggins. He continues to play within himself on the offensive end, shooting open shots and driving open lanes, and playing intense defense and crashing the boards on the other end of the floor.
Will certainly need more of that from Liggins in the coming weeks, because the SEC schedule is about to get even tougher...
02/16 at Mississippi State
The team did their part to make it a perfect day, beating the Vols by 11. Tennessee is better than most realize; they're #12 in the country and deservedly so. They play an intense brand of basketball and whether we care to admit it or not, Bruce Pearl coaches them well. Before John Calipari came to Kentucky, Tennessee had moved past both Florida and Kentucky as the top program in the SEC East. They came ready to play last night, and for 32 minutes, were just as good or better than the Cats.
However, late in the second half, UK's superior talent finally took over. The tandem that Dick Vitale called the best freshman duo in 30 years was good as usual, but Cousins was equalized by the stingy Volunteer zone for most of the game. As we've already talked about, had he been able to knock down his free throws, he would have kept his streak of consecutive double-doubles intact. However, he still had 12 boards and a couple of big baskets. Meanwhile, John Wall and Eric Bledsoe took over the game down the stretch and Tennessee had no answer.
Once again, Deandre Liggins proved to be a significant spark off the bench. Cal said after the game that there's not a more important player at Kentucky right now than Liggins. He continues to play within himself on the offensive end, shooting open shots and driving open lanes, and playing intense defense and crashing the boards on the other end of the floor.
Will certainly need more of that from Liggins in the coming weeks, because the SEC schedule is about to get even tougher...
02/16 at Mississippi State
02/20 at Vanderbilt
02/25 South Carolina
02/27 at Tennessee
03/03 at Georgia
03/07 Florida
Coach Cal said last night after the game that Kentucky could easily lose two or more of these games, and to be honest, he's right. The four road games will all be tough tests, and Florida and South Carolina at home won't be cake walks either.
But to be a #1 seed, you have take care of business on the court each and every game. It's going to be a wild ride from here on out, but one that will be worth taking. Stick around and enjoy it with us.
That's all for tonight... check back tomorrow and throughout the week for more news and views on all things UK.
Coach Cal said last night after the game that Kentucky could easily lose two or more of these games, and to be honest, he's right. The four road games will all be tough tests, and Florida and South Carolina at home won't be cake walks either.
But to be a #1 seed, you have take care of business on the court each and every game. It's going to be a wild ride from here on out, but one that will be worth taking. Stick around and enjoy it with us.
That's all for tonight... check back tomorrow and throughout the week for more news and views on all things UK.
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