Kentucky vs South Carolina: Observations

I thought coming in we would win this game, but didn’t think it would be as close down the stretch. Giving up those outside shots to USC sure didn’t help things.

Raycom needs an HD sponsor. (Just thought I’d throw that in)

Nice move by Kentucky on acknowledging South Carolina coach Dave Odom.

Coach Odom after the game…

“I want to simply say how much gratitude I have towards the University of Kentucky, Billy Gillispie, Mitch Barnhart and Scott Stricklin. The acknowledgement that I have been a small part of basketball over the years and I think they know how much I respect the University of Kentucky, I really do. There is a lot to be proud of here. It has been a real honor to come and play in this building year after year. This area is a great basketball area with which I do feel respect. I deeply appreciate the acknowledgement before the game and I sincerely appreciate the chair. I have just the right place for that, and I mean that with respect.”

I thought the first half we tried to establish Patterson inside and get him going early. This was good and worked throughout the game.

Things were looking good early on with both Jodie Meeks and Ramel Bradley knocking some three’s down. (We finished with a very good percentage there)

We started getting sloppy with the ball (They were getting points off our turnovers) and our defense was lapsing. We allowed USC to hit some 3’s which helped them stay in the game. Granted, they were still hitting some shots with hands in their faces, so it’s kinda hard to defend that.

The start of the second half was ugly. USC came out on fire still knocking down 3’s. They were getting some rebounds, limiting out opportunities.

We weathered it pretty well and came back strong, stepping up the defense better. Also Bradley, Patterson and Stevenson got into the swing of things.

Eventually we got a hold and pulled the game out. Definitely a good sign from this team.

Player Thoughts

There’s so many things you can say about Ramel Bradley. He plays with heart, is determined and a true leader for this team. Yeah, he can make some bad decisions, but the good he does far out ways any of that.

He again stepped up, as he’s been doing for awhile. He gets a well deserved double-double. Who knows? He may even pull out a triple-double before season’s end.

What can you not say about Patrick Patterson? I can’t remember being so high on a player as him for quite some time. To be a freshman…he’s one very good, smart player.

I love the effort this guy puts in game after game. He wants to win and you can always tell. He was hyped coming in and he’s living up to it. He may not be around all four years, but he’s becoming an all-time fan favorite, if not already.

Can you say…Mayo Who? I think we got the better end of that one.

He had another monster game just missing a double-double. Can the guy pass or what? I want to see more of him and Stevenson teaming up down low. Him passing to a cutting Stevenson is something we could use.

Perry Stevenson gave another nice effort out there. His confidence is better, so goes his play. I think getting him involved early in the game helps.

One thing I would like to see him fix is that pump fake he does when looking to shoot from outside. Just go up with it and shoot.

I thought Derrick Jasper had a nice game. His stats won’t show what all he does out there on that bum leg. He’s giving us timely shots, rebounds, good defensive effort, you name it. Just think if he were 100% percent out there.

Overall I’m happy to get the victory. We are still in this thing, it’s not over till it’s over.

Hopefully Joe Crawford gets better and is not out for long. One thing we surely do not need is more injury problems.

We basically won this game with 6 players (not counting the 4 minutes by Coury) . One thing I worry about is all the minutes these guys are playing. I know we need our best players out there to win, as our bench severely lacks talent. But can these guys continue on with this game to game?

Great win for Kentucky. Next up….on the road at Georgia February 2nd.