25 minutes ago, Voice of Reason said:

I think he was able to change that when he changed who he was playing. The key is who he is putting on the floor now.

I would disagree with that VOR, he simply went from drop coverage/automatic switches (which in my opinion is part of his recruiting pitch because that’s basically what they do in the NBA) to hard hedge/fighting over which is much harder to teach and do but once you get there it makes you much more physical and effective, that’s just philosophy, not personnel 

GREAT WIN FOR MY CATS!!  Livingston is really starting to come on!!

33 minutes ago, FSfan said:

So is this evidence of what Kentucky can be this year or are they just a bad matchup for Tennessee?

Maybe a bit of both. 

I just can't all perky off of this game.  The way Tennessee shot the ball reminded me of a bunch of kids on top of Rocky Top throwing rocks downward.

While yes it would be nice to have seen some things changed sooner, the most important thing is it was changed. Last year Cal had the team playing its best in January and then faded out at the end of the year. So I’m not exactly mad that this team hasn’t peaked yet, and still is having to fix some things to get to its best self. Now hopefully this is a sign that they are getting close to peaking though,  because we are getting close to the time of the year when you want your team to peak. 
 

UK is not exactly going to be a team that higher seeds are going to be thrilled to have to play at the beginning of the tournament. 

1 hour ago, Voice of Reason said:

It must be said that Cal coached a very good game today. He did a nice job with the game plan and the rotation. He did a couple good matchup moves, especially later in the game. Good game Coach Cal.

Agreed.  I have given Cal deserved grief this year, but I thought he did a nice job today.  Good game plan and adjustments. 

1 hour ago, 4 Quarters said:

I just can't all perky off of this game.  The way Tennessee shot the ball reminded me of a bunch of kids on top of Rocky Top throwing rocks downward.

Pro and con:

True, can't get too excited when you also add in the fact that their excellent point guard Ziegler only played half the game due to foul trouble.

False, maybe UK's defense had something to do with Tennessee shooting so poorly.

11 minutes ago, Voice of Reason said:

Pro and con:

True, can't get too excited when you also add in the fact that their excellent point guard Ziegler only played half the game due to foul trouble.

False, maybe UK's defense had something to do with Tennessee shooting so poorly.

Kentucky has now held Tennessee in the 50s in both games this year. Hopefully the defense can carry their performances against Tennessee to other games too. 

5 minutes ago, futurecoach said:

Kentucky has now held Tennessee in the 50s in both games this year. Hopefully the defense can carry their performances against Tennessee to other games too. 

Two of Tennessee's lowest scoring games of the year.

Florida without Castleton is a must win. That would be another Quad 1 win. That would get UK to at least 4 Quad 1 wins and possibly more if a couple other teams they have beaten win a couple games.

With the win today the Cats move up to 3rd place in the league standings.

4 hours ago, Voice of Reason said:

Pro and con:

True, can't get too excited when you also add in the fact that their excellent point guard Ziegler only played half the game due to foul trouble.

False, maybe UK's defense had something to do with Tennessee shooting so poorly.

 

3 hours ago, futurecoach said:

Kentucky has now held Tennessee in the 50s in both games this year. Hopefully the defense can carry their performances against Tennessee to other games too. 

I guess UK was defending Tennessee from the line also.

1 hour ago, 4 Quarters said:

 

I guess UK was defending Tennessee from the line also.

That was mainly a function of who shot free throws for Tennessee. Two of their worst free throw shooters shot 8 of their 14 free throws and those two went 1-8. 

20 hours ago, 16thBBall Fan said:

Hey @bugattidoes this start the title run. ?

Actually starts Wednesday. If my math is correct, UK should end the year with 31 wins. Solid.

22 hours ago, futurecoach said:

While yes it would be nice to have seen some things changed sooner, the most important thing is it was changed. Last year Cal had the team playing its best in January and then faded out at the end of the year. So I’m not exactly mad that this team hasn’t peaked yet, and still is having to fix some things to get to its best self. Now hopefully this is a sign that they are getting close to peaking though,  because we are getting close to the time of the year when you want your team to peak. 
 

UK is not exactly going to be a team that higher seeds are going to be thrilled to have to play at the beginning of the tournament. 

Totally agree

On 2/18/2023 at 6:00 PM, Voice of Reason said:

Pro and con:

True, can't get too excited when you also add in the fact that their excellent point guard Ziegler only played half the game due to foul trouble.

False, maybe UK's defense had something to do with Tennessee shooting so poorly.

I agree, but remembered Ziegler played a lot in the first game and was pretty much the #1 reason we beat them down there. He struggled to finish the entire game.