Does #2 Need to Try Harder?

The second-ranked Kentucky Wildcats defeated Alabama by a score of 66-55 in Rupp Arena Tuesday night, in an effort that I will kindly refer to as "workmanlike". The current ESPN/USA Today poll has UK trailing only Kansas in the national rankings (third in the AP), but the Cats displayed their frustrating, if not infuriating, tendency to let opposing teams linger-- prior to finishing off the Crimson Tide in the second half.

In being held to only 66 points at home, and once again putting in an especially tepid start (NOT THAT I COULD SEE IT, ESPNU-- gotta take care of all those George Mason fans, right?) Kentucky opens itself up to rightful criticism that it doesn't fully focus when playing squads that are lower on the food chain.

We've seen it several times this season of course, and most recently the sloppy beginning at LSU makes for a good example, but perhaps it's not entirely fair to fault UK for not always slamming the door shut earlier. After all, the Wildcat faithful are always quick to point out that opponents usually bring their "A" or even "A+" games when they face the seven-time national champs. And we're talking about playing in a BCS conference (albeit more known for the pigskin) with rosters full of legitimate Division I talent. You can't blow them all out by 30 and scorch the earth in the process.

And yet, that is exactly what I want, and undoubtedly what you want as a Kentucky fan, too. It's in our blood.

We could discuss expectations 'til the cows come home, but I do sincerely feel that the '09-'10 Cats are prone to spells of disinterest when playing lesser teams such as the current 'Bama squad. I don't pin this on a true lack of effort per se, but more of a proclivity to play slightly less aggressive defense while ahead, coupled with a strange aversion to making the simple or basic basketball play on the offensive end...and favoring the more spectacular play.

If you're counting, that's two games in a row for a behind the back layup move by John Wall. And yes, they are admittedly fun to see on the highlights. But can we also cut out some of the turnovers, please? Not all of them are of the forced variety, after all.

So yeah, DeMarcus Cousins tossed in his seventh double-double in a row, UK goes to 8-1 in the conference, Wall himself had 10 rebounds.... and here I am, picking nits. I guess it's a tradition going back to when? The Alex Groza days? But I just really feel like this could be an extra-special team. And at the end of the year, I don't want Kansas, or Syracuse or anybody else ahead of UK. That means Coach Cal is going to have to stay on the young'uns to keep "grinding" (his words) more effectively and not take 3-4 minute breathers when the game is still undecided.

As demonstrated in this win, you can get away with it at home in February, but I'd rather not see it come tournament time.