Kentucky Turns In Clunker Vs. Ole Miss

Ugh.

I'm not even sure that I want to autopsy this corpse.

Let's start by saying that was not really a 5-point loss. That was more like a 10 or 12 point loss made a bit more respectable in garbage time. Credit the Cats for not quitting in the face of defeat, but that 85-80 final is surely a bit deceptive. Jodie Meeks nailed a couple of late threes that will help his average from nosediving, and he turned in his usual excellent effort from the free throw line, but otherwise he was greatly neutralized by the Rebels' defense.

Methinks however that this game turned on a lack of defensive intensity in the second half by Kentucky. You could argue they were a bit fortunate to be in the lead at the half, especially considering the kind of night Meeks was having-- but allowing 48 points to Ole Miss in the second frame was a bit disappointing. I thought UK looked a little slow of foot out there, just not stepping into passing lanes as frequently, trying to use their hands to impede drives instead of cutting off the dribbler, and generally not helping as much from the weakside as they have over the past 5-6 games.

The rebounding stat is pretty telling as well, with UK getting beat on the boards 45-40 despite Darius Miller tallying 9 by himself. For whatever reason, the Cats overall just seemed rather listless to me. (Two games in four days? Not really an excuse, IMO.)

Plus, I'm the first to admit that I would like to see more of D. Liggins on the court in place of Porter, but 16 shots? What in the name of DeWayne Miles is going on here? The freshman surely needs to recognize the difference between a good shot and a forced, contested, ill-advised (pick your adjective here) field goal attempt. He's obviously still a little out of control, and it seemed like Gillispie was content to leave him out there to take some lumps tonight. Growing pains, I suppose.

My preference would be to take a more measured approach, and allow Mr. Liggins to learn on the job by slowly gaining time as he demonstrates the necessary responsibility, especially in running the offense. Sixteen shots! The only UK point guard I want taking 16 shots is currently coaching Oklahoma State. Grrr. Kid's a freshman, I know. Liggins will certainly learn from this.

Hopefully, the entire team takes this one as a bit of a lesson. Was barely cracking the Top 25 that much of an ego booster or a distraction... to the extent that UK figured they could mail it in tonight? I should hope not. Surely the team has bigger goals for itself than that. Gotta learn to deal with success, after all. This is Kentucky.