KSR Today: Kentucky Plays Complete Game in Vanderbilt Victory
Kentucky extended its win streak to win four, tied for the longest of the season, by playing its most complete performance to date. It was not a perfect 40 minutes, but it was awfully close. Team basketball was the name of the game in Kentucky’s 69-53 win at Vanderbilt.
Led by Antonio Reeves‘ 16 points, five Wildcats scored in double figures as UK shot 56% from the field. The Cats dished 17 assists on 31 made field goals that came in a variety of forms, turn back-door cuts into dunks and dribble-drives into wide open threes (6-of-16, 37.7%). It was the most beautiful basketball Kentucky has played all year.
“I like this team. I’m saying it. I told you before, we just had to get on the same page,” John Calipari said after the game.
The game was never close in the second half thanks to exceptional play in the Middle Eight by the Wildcats. Vanderbilt sunk a three with 2:40 on the clock in the first half to cut the deficit to two. Kentucky closed the first half wit a 7-0 run, then put together a 12-3 run to jump out to an 18-point lead and completely open up the game for the Cats.
The Quad 2 victory at Vanderbilt was the prettiest basketball game the Wildcats have played all season. Kentucky is coming together at the right time. Meanwhile, their next opponent is trending in the opposite direction. John Calipari will try to hand Bill Self the first four-game losing streak of his Kansas tenure Saturday night at Rupp Arena in the SEC-Big 12 Challenge.
Sahvir Wheeler Bounces Back
The Kentucky point guard has had plenty of critics this season, myself included. When he took a backseat to Cason Wallace in the starting five, he could’ve thrown in the towel. But Kentucky could not succeed this season with one ball-handler alone. They needed Wheeler to be ready to contribute. He did just that against Vanderbilt.
Subbed in at the 16-minute mark, he immediately injected energy into a stagnant offense by pushing the pace. It created an easy transition three for Reeves. It was not always that easy — he had a couple of silly turnovers — but he still dished out five assists, including three straight possessions to Oscar Tshiebwe, and had a plus-minus of 11.
“I kissed him. I’m about ready to cry. I know what he’s been through, you don’t,” said Calipari.
“My legacy will be what they do and what they overcome, that’s my legacy. Not all the records and all the other stuff, stop. It is, how do the guys I’m coaching, what do they overcome and respond to and how does it help them the rest of their lives?”
Defense, Defense, Defense, YEAH!
Vanderbilt entered last night’s contest scoring 73.2 points per game and shooting 43.1% from the field. They scored 42 points In one half against Auburn this year. Last night they did not surpass 50 until the final TV timeout. Aside from Malik Dia, who made his first four three-point attempts after only hitting seven all season, Kentucky’s defense completely overwhelmed the high-scoring Commodores. The KSR crew discussed the Cats’ beautiful offense and dominant defense late Tuesday night.
Kentucky Blue Got In
Kentucky fans did what they do best: invade road arenas. “GO BIG BLUE!” chants rang throughout Memorial Gymnasium as the Cats celebrated their third victory away from Rupp this season. Vanderbilt fans found a way to cope. Their coping mechanism is nightmare fuel for Mitch Barnhart.
Meet the Kentucky Football Newcomers
There are a few new big men on campus. Today the Kentucky football program will introduce seven new transfers to the media. This afternoon you’ll hear from from QB Devin Leary, RB Ray Vaughn, IOL Tanner Bowles, LT Marques Cox, CB Jantzen Dunn and CB JQ Hardaway. Before Davis gets to see our smiling face, he saw Kroger Field from a vantage point few ever get to experience.
An Historic Anniversary
On this day 35 years ago, Bill Raftery delivered an iconic line for an iconic play. Arguably the greatest dunk in college basketball history, while hosting Providence at Fitzgerald Field House Pitt’s Jerome Lane shattered a backboard in transition. Thirty-five years later, it’s still jaw-dropping.
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