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Kentucky basketball took down Missouri on Tuesday night, 90-77. The victory improved their record to 12-2 and moved the Wildcats to 2-0 in conference play. It’s the first time since 1993-1994 that Kentucky has scored at least 81 points in 13 of their first 14 games to start a season.
This Kentucky team is ranked No. 6 in the country and with No. 2 Houston losing to Iowa State earlier in the evening, the Wildcats are bound for a top-5 position if they can continue at this pace. So far, Big Blue Nation has seen a major improvement from previous seasons.
But what’s changed?
You could argue it’s Kentucky’s talented freshman and their veteran players having incredibly chemistry. You could argue that the Wildcats have embraced the three-point shot and made a good percentage of their attempts. You could even argue that Kentucky playing a more guard-heavy lineup has contributed to their offensive and overall success.
While all of that can be (and pretty much is) true, Kentucky’s best asset is their depth.
If anyone on Kentucky is having an off night, the Wildcats have so many players to take over the game.
In recent weeks, fans have seen fan-favorite Reed Sheppard be the star of the show and Antonio Reeves be a scoring machine from all over the court. But those two combined to shoot 4-13 from the field on Tuesday night and didn’t have a chance to find a rhythm (though Reeves made all eight of his free throws).
Instead, the answer on offense was Rob Dillingham leading all scorers with 23 points. Tre Mitchell had another double-double of 20 points and 16 rebounds, with eight of those points coming in the first five minutes to give Kentucky an early boost. D.J. Wagner also pitched in with an efficient 16 points.
As Kentucky advances into conference play, it’s almost a guarantee that someone in the main rotation will have an off night. But given how talented this team is offensively and how incredible their chemistry is, it feels like anyone can take the lead and put the team on their back.
Quality depth is something Kentucky has desperately missed in recent years and having this good of a group that can go eight or nine players deep (when healthy) is a recipe for postseason success.
Kentucky travels to Texas A&M this weekend for a road matchup with the Aggies. Tip-off in College Station is set for 2 PM ET on Saturday with television coverage on ESPN.
6 Responses
Missouri is a much better team than their record shows. This hard fought win will pay dividends for our tough SEC schedule. Depth is the key now that Bradshaw and Onyenso are playing. If we get Theiro back, look out. I hope Edwards finds his groove soon; if not, Theiro will get most of his minutes.
I definitely agree with you Barry. Missouri is one tough gritty team. Same as they were last season. Do you happen to know, how severe Theiro’s back injury is? I also hope Edwards find his rhythm asap lol. But I noticed Cal hasn’t tried having him flash up to catch the ball at the free throw line yet for mid rage or to drive to his strong hand (like he has with Wagner or Thiero when they were struggling. I know he’s on the left wing for a reason, but maybe run some dummy action/curls for him. Also seems like Edwards is the only one who hasn’t really gone into his bag to create off the dribble. He definitely has it in him. (It did take Dj awhile before he got comfortable enough to go into his. Before that it was 2-3 dribbles and he picked up the ball) Aaron has to learn to keep his arms straight up and not bent, or else they will keep calling those fouls on him.
I am not sure if anyone has a deeper more talented bench than we have. I belive that 1 thru 9 could start for most teams. They are all sacrificing for the team and that is Special. I also agree that Missouri os a tough team. They attack you the entire game. They force you to make shots and rebound that last night. Another quality win for the team and another Great Coaching job by Cal! ! ! The team took advantage of all the junk defenses that Missouri used and that is plain and simple Good Coaching! ! ! Bradshaw making those wing jumpers and Tre at the top of the key will make it hard to zone this team. Bradshaw reminded me a little of Walter McCarthy. He was great at hitting that baseline jumper!
Very enjoyable game to watch. Go Cats! !
I prefer Edwards pays more attention to being a defensive stopper and rebounder. Most of the points can come from many other players. With his length and quickness, he can be the gem of a championship team, but doing it more on defense. He doesn’t have to be a double double player if he can be a lock down defender. We need an "Allen" Edwards. I will say, I did like it when he took it right at that 7’5" center and put it in the basket.
Edwards is due for a breakout, hopefully he will find his groove. I just wonder all the hype he was getting before the season started has put some pressure on him. To me he don’t play loose when he’s on the floor. He has shown some flashes though.
He’s looking better every game, but I still Defense is what this team needs and that is a way for him to stay on the floor. Heck, I would take some lock down defense from any of them!!
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