The Kentucky Wildcats returned to the court this afternoon as they faced off against the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville. In another exciting comeback, the Cats knock off the Vols 80-78.
The first 20
minutes have been unkind to this Kentucky team, and that was the case once again this afternoon. The Vols schooled the Cats in the half-court on both ends of the floor, creating another double-digit deficit heading into the half.
However, Jasper Johnson caught fire in the first half to help keep Kentucky still in this one, heading into the locker room down, 42-31.
Similar to how the first half has been unkind, the second half has been very kind to Kentucky. That happened again today in Knoxville, as the Cats chipped away at what was once a 17-point lead for the Vols.
Led by Denzel Aberdeen and the physicality of Mo Dioubate, the Cats grinded out another win in Knoxville.
The season stays alive. Time to keep on winning.
Now let’s take a look at four things to know from today’s win:
Turnovers crush Kentucky early
This UK team has been pretty awful to start games this year. Dan Shulman even dropped the stat that they are -89 in the first half against major conference opponents this season. That is not good.
Well, it happened once again today; however, this time it was turnovers that crushed the Cats.
Typically, the offense and shooting are what hinder this team from getting rolling early, but in Knoxville, they seemed to be clicking offensively early. When you turn the ball over so consistently, though, no matter what rhythm you are in, good teams will take advantage of that. Tennessee did just that and led by double digits the majority of the first half.
Jasper Johnson breaks through
After the injury to Jaland Lowe, all eyes turned to five-star freshman Jasper Johnson. With his minutes going up quickly, Johnson looks like he might have finally settled in.
Thompson-Boling Arena is not an easy place to play, and Rick Barnes’ squad is incredibly physical. Despite that, Johnson helped the Cats to be competitive in this game.
If he can continue to piece it together, he might become one of the most important players on this roster.
Mo Dioubate fights back
After seeing his minutes go down over the last few games, this is the type of game that Mark Pope brought Mo Dioubate in for. Luckily for Kentucky, he thrived.
Willing to muscle up against the Tennessee big man, Dioubate showed what a difference maker he can be when used in the correct role and position. Now, let’s hope that continues to progress, as he will be needed as this UK team progresses into the heart of the SEC schedule.
Terrible first halves have to stop
This season can really be summed up into two simple thoughts: Kentucky stinks in the first half, and dominates in the second half. That was what crushed the Cats once again today.
Sitting at 12-7 on the year, we could likely flip a few of those losses into wins if this team could even put together 32-minutes of solid play in a full game. That would turn what has become a disaster of a season into a potential top-25 ranking, and no bubble talk for the NCAA Tourney.
No clue how this staff can get that turned around, but they have to find some way to make the adjustment in the remaining 14 SEC games. Imagine how good these Cats would look if they could put 40 good minutes together instead of just 20. Let’s hope Pope and Co. figure this out and push this team toward its full potential.
Time to celebrate!
Go Cats!!
