After a tumultuous two weeks Kentucky goes on the road and picks up a huge win over the Auburn Tigers. Not only did they win but they won comfortably and were the better team throughout the game. Kentucky goes 2-0 this week and has put themselves back in the thick of things in the SEC.
Cal Pantsed Pearl
The last couple of weeks there has been some wild takes about John Calipari. We even had a segment of our fans try and gaslight the rest us into believing Bruce Pearl is a better coach. Cal strutted his stuff last night and punked Pearl in winning time. Not only was Kentucky more prepared for the physicality from the tip, they ran the same action repeatedly late in the 2nd half and Pearl had no answers. Kentucky extended it’s lead to 16 at one point and reduced Pearl to running around complaining to any official who would listen.
Give me all of his tears.
Antonio Reeves Is That Guy
Reeves has largely gone under the radar nationally, but he’s quietly been playing at an All-American level. Yesterday not only did Antonio Reeves play outstanding defense most of the night but he also scored 22 points. More important than the total was the timing. Auburn cut the Kentucky lead to 5 points in each half and both times Reeves answered with a scoring run to keep them at arm’s length. The final run in the 2nd half helped extend the lead to 16 and ultimately ended the game. (though some questionable officiaiting tried really hard to keep Auburn in the game).
It was incredible recognition from the coaching staff to keep running actions for him and incredible stuff from Reeves to execute and become the closer.
This Team Showed a New Attitude
After the Tennessee loss I concluded that this team was kind of soft. Normally that is fatal in CBB but this team has grown up. This week they played two competent offensive basketball teams who are also overly physical and the Cats dominated both times.
From the tip yesterday the Cats set the tone. DJ Wagner deserves a lot of the credit for being the first to take responsibility on the defensive end. Adou Thiero realized he is the strongest and most dynamic athlete on the court and showed it. Ugonna Onyenso finally used his body to secure rebounds. DJ, Reed, and Rob both overcame consistent hand checks while initiating offense. In the end they left Auburn and Bruce Pearl crying about the physicality of the game.
If the Cats can sustain this newfound intensity I think it can become the team we thought they could be in late-December.
What Does It Mean
It was Kentucky against the world yesterday and the Cats responded. Not only did they secure another Quad 1 win they also put themselves back in the SEC race if they can capitalize this week.
It was also important from a mental standpoint. There had been a lot of talk about this team’s potential the last few weeks, and I think everyone agrees this team can be a contender. You actually have to show that though and outside of that UNC win there weren’t really any tangible results to point to and say “This is what this team can be”. Well last night they got it. They played the way Auburn wanted and still beat them comfortably.
Kentucky can’t really relax because they have another tough road game in Baton Rouge but for now we’ll enjoy winning.
Go Cats.
