KSR Today: Kentucky Can't Upset Alabama on the Road

by:Nick Roush•about 11 hours•

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Kentucky F Andrew Carr fouls an Alabama basketball players, via Gary Cosby Jr. USA TODAY Network via IMAGN IMAGES

Entering Saturday’s game, Big Blue Nation was well aware of the difficult task at hand. Kentucky was on the road without two starting guards against a Top-5 team, the highest-scoring team in the country, who desperately needed a victory after back-to-back losses. Kentucky delivered a few early punches but couldn’t land the knockout in a 12-round bout.

The Cats sank four three-pointers in the first five minutes to take a 20-9 lead. Just like the last two losses, Alabama was down double digits in a hurry. This time, they got a little help from their foe.

As hot as Kentucky was in the first ten minutes, they were just as cold in the final ten minutes of the second half. Alabama went on a 24-4 run that completely turned the Tide.

The Cats did not go down without a fight. Kentucky got within three points on multiple occasions midway through the second half, but never could get over the hump. Alabama just had too much offensive firepower. The Crimson Tide shot 52.5% from the floor and Mark Sears poured in 30 points in a 96-83 win. Alabama swept Kentucky in the regular season for just the fourth time ever.

A Streak Snapped

Koby Brea played the game the Cats needed to pull off the upset. He knocked down four threes and scored 20 points for just the second time in SEC play. Unfortunately, his backcourt counterpart couldn’t tread water. For the first time all season, Otega Oweh did not score in double figures. He shot 1-9 and had just two points when he fouled out with 6:48 remaining.

When Mark Pope was asked about Oweh’s off night, he had an interesting response. After a brief pause, he asked, “Are you baiting me into an answer? I think Alabama’s a terrific defensive team.” I don’t think the head coach was too happy with the officiating in Tuscaloosa.

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Three Outstanding Performances

It feels odd to point out the good in a loss. Losing stinks, but it wasn’t all bad. Kentucky had 13 steals, the most against an SEC foe this season, and four of them were from Travis Perry. It was one of two career-highs for the Kentucky native, who scored 12 points, primarily by attacking the rim.

The Cats could not have kept it within reach without Amari Williams. He had 17 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. The 17-11-6 game is the first by a 7-footer in the SEC since at least 1996-97 and the second nationally against a top-25 opponent during that time. Jack Givens was the last Wildcat with such a stat line.

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From a long-term perspective, nothing was more encouraging than seeing Andrew Carr on Saturday night. We got a glimpse of Old Carr on Wednesday. He brought the complete package to Alabama. Carr had 17 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals. It was the most points Carr has scored since he was the hero of the Gonzaga win, and he did it while being limited by foul trouble in the first half.

Senior Day for Kentucky WBB

A sold-out crowd will be on hand for Senior Day at Historic Memorial Coliseum. It will be the final home game for All-American Georgia Amoore and guard Dazia Lawrence. Kentucky has been exceptional at home; the 13-1 record is one of the best in school history, but it will be a tall task to end the campaign on a high. Seventh-ranked LSU is coming to town, and they’ve only lost once in their last seven games.

Kentucky will go for its fifth Top 25 win of the season when the ball is tipped-off at 4 pm EST. Fans are encouraged to arrive by 3:40 for Senior Day ceremonies. Beth Mowins and Debbie Antonelli will be on the call for ESPN.

Kentucky Baseball Goes for the Sweep

Kentucky struck on 14 batters in a 2-1 win on Friday. Ben Cleaver dominated from the mound on Saturday, striking out 11 and allowing only one hit in six innings. Freshman shortstop Tyler Bell and Milwaukee transfer Carson Hansen had four RBI apiece as the Cats won the series with a 12-0 run-rule win over Belmont. The series finale is set for 2 pm this afternoon.

Elly de la Cruz is still Incredible

I know it’s only spring training, but I’m still blown away by the Cincinnati Red. Elly de la Cruz homered in his first at-bat with his left hand, then hit another bomb with his right hand. That’s just nuts. 33 days till opening day.