Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
Bruce Pearl brought his merry band into Rupp today, hoping to avenge for the purchase of Thomson-Bowling Arena. The Vols had learned from their mistakes — Jodie Meeks was face-guarded and doubled nearly the whole game. They also capitalized on what worked in Knoxville, as their big men pulled down offensive rebound after offensive rebound. The Vols ended the game with an absurd 23 offensive rebounds and just 13 defensive rebounds, and outrebounded the Cats 35-28. The Vols tried to limit Patrick Patterson by actively preventing passes inside.
But the Vols couldn’t adapt to the game. Darius Miller tore up the Vol’s defense with best game as a Wildcat: 17 points (6-6 FG, 3-3 3FG, 2-2 FT), 3 rebounds, 1 turnover, 6 assists (including several down to Patterson) and 2 blocks. By becoming the mythical “3rd Scorer” that has been missing all season, Darius helped lead his Wildcats to a big victory over the Vols, 77-58.
It wasn’t just Darius’ shooting that helped free up Kentucky’s offense. The Vols begged Michael Porter to shoot. Michael scored 9 points on 3-6 3FG shooting, with the strangest pattern of shot results: Make, airball, make, airball off the backboard resulting in a shot clock violation, make, rim-hitting miss. Porter was much more aggressive on defense today, resulting with one steal after several takeaway attempts. Porter had some problems inbounding the ball, but was overall steady with the rock with his 6 assists and 2 turnovers.
Another contribution from the not-Jodie-and-Pat crowd: A.J. Stewart. Patterson left the game with 6:26 left in the first half with 2 fouls. A.J. played the rest of the half as a bruiser AND a 2-guard — he had 5 points (1-3 FG, 3-4 FT), 1 rebound and 1 assist. More importantly he played much better defense with his feet and not just his hands, resulting in zero fouls in his 6 minutes on the court.
Kentucky needed A.J., Darius and Michael to step up, since Jodie was effectively taken out of the game. Jodie ended up with 14 points (4-14 FG, 0-7 FG, 6-6 FT) and 3 steals. At times it appeared the Wildcats weren’t setting any off-the-ball screen plays for Jodie, and were willing to be content to wear down the shot clock to 10 seconds and try to let Jodie work his way through 3 defenders.
Noticably limping at times, Patrick Patterson returned in amazing fashion. Pat gathered his 19 points (9-12 FG, 1-2 FT) slowly through the game. He fought diligently in the post as Kentucky’s perimeter players were either unwilling or unable to throw the ball inside.
Gus Johnson and Dan Bonner stated at the end of the game that Tennessee is just a bad matchup against the Wildcats. That doesn’t make much sense. Tennessee has the athleticism to play the kind of defense to limit Kentucky to 60 points. Also, while Tennessee isn’t much of a jump-shooting team — and why they shot 13 3-pointers in the first half is beyond my reasoning — they have the ability to drive, dish and offensive rebound. All those strengths should make Tennessee a better team against the Wildcats. But its clear that in the SEC East, Tennessee is a pretender for the running.
So who are you? Yeah, who are you? Yeah, who are you?
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Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
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February 21st, 2009 at 3:51 pm
First!
February 21st, 2009 at 4:05 pm
But the announcers were correct FGM, any team that can’t hit open 3’s is a bad matchup vs our Cats. And any team without discipline is a bad matchup… and thankfully TENN is both.
February 21st, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Nice to see Darious gainning confidence… as well as Porter, they need to do that all the time. thoses shots have been there all year!
Wide open 2’s and 3’s. It’s not impressive… it’s expected for a D1 athlete!
February 21st, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Go Cats!
February 21st, 2009 at 4:11 pm
We lost to North Carolina by this same score.
February 21st, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Over the last couple of games Stewart has shown he can step up and hit the outside shot. If Pat stays with the addition of Pilgram and Orton, does anyone think Stewart may switch to the 3? He’s athletic, can jump, run the floor etc… It seems like that’d make us a very deep team. Comments?
February 21st, 2009 at 4:55 pm
I think the bad matchup is that Billy’s teams usually play harder than Pearl’s, at least the past two years. UT has the team to spread you out and drive, but they don’t really pass well off the drive. Bobby Maze is not that good. And they have three guys (Prince, Smith and Hopson) that basically play the same position and don’t work together well.
Smart strategy to lay off UT a bit and not trap as frequently.
I think UT is a pretty mediocre half-court defensive team. I’m surprised they don’t press more. Seems Pearl did so a lot more two seasons ago.
February 21st, 2009 at 4:55 pm
6. No.
February 21st, 2009 at 5:14 pm
6: I like Stewart’s play on offence. If he could develop some decent defensive skills and use his athleticism on the boards, he might see some more minutes. I think he could be a very good complement to PP.
February 21st, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Kentucky outplayed and outcoached the Vols today. Big win, go Cats!
February 21st, 2009 at 6:08 pm
anybody else notice Greg Anthony thinks the SEC will get 3 teams in… LSU, Florida and TENNESSEE?????? and UK IS A BUBBLE TEAM???????
February 21st, 2009 at 6:18 pm
We need to keep it rolling.
February 21st, 2009 at 6:36 pm
11. He said the SEC has 3 teams in right now. I think he’s right that LSU and Tennessee are definitely in, as long as they don’t have huge collapse. But I think Florida, South Carolina, and Kentucky all have work to do. These last few games are going to be very interesting.
February 21st, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Tenn will prob get in based on their RPI and SOS, not to mention they are gonna be the 4th place team in the SEC east.
Miller that was definately the game we have been waiting for you to have. You have over the last month really played very well and I hope you keep it up. You have the potential to go down as one of the greatest ever, and since you have 2 teammates that may also have that distinction, you are in great company.
February 21st, 2009 at 7:18 pm
#6, I think Stewart is actually a more natural 3, with 4 capabilities. He is about 6′7, but is very long.
It was a great win for the cats even though Tennessee has been way overated all season long… now 19-8; 8-4(SEC) with the NCAA tournament looking promising.
February 21st, 2009 at 7:20 pm
and… I’m not sold on Tennessee making it.. Keep in mind they still have to go to Florida and South Carolina.
February 21st, 2009 at 7:21 pm
I cannot see how TN would get in and not us after we thrashed them twice! The best thing we can do is keep winning!
Go Cats!
February 21st, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Great game today in every way. My whipping posts Porter and Harris played respectable basketball. Darius played great. I love his defense. He can get into the lane anytime he wants. He just has to have confidence to make shots. HUGE GAME WEDNESDAY NIGHT!
February 21st, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Ok Matt Jones. I guess Coach is back in the good again doubling up on Bruce Pearl. Come on you can do it.
February 21st, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Love what I saw. If we could do this every night…wow.
I’d like to get a GREAT rebounder in here next season. Is that Orton or Pilgrim?
February 21st, 2009 at 7:30 pm
6-While AJ is athletic FOR A 4, he really doesnt have the skill set as far as ball handling and the quick feet to guard a 3 either. But I definitely agree that with his recent ability to knock down the open 15-18 footer he shoot def get more minutes.
February 21st, 2009 at 7:30 pm
anyone have a clip of the liggins-patterson hookup?
February 21st, 2009 at 8:01 pm
#5 on Sportscenter top plays is the Liggins-Patterson hookup.
February 21st, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Which of these three is the least relevant criticism of BCG now? 1) He has destroyed Miller’s confidence, 2) He should play Liggins over Porter, 3) He is inflexible with his ball pressure defense?
February 21st, 2009 at 8:10 pm
In fairness to Gus Johnson and Dan Bonner, it is a bad match-up: Well-coached effort-giving players vs. poorly coached prima donnas.
February 21st, 2009 at 8:10 pm
#24 and the brain of rodrick rhodes
February 21st, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Hey Fake Gimel….im not sure what game you were watching, however, Porter air balled is first two then the shot clock violation and then he hit three in a row, the first coming at the end of the first half. I love KSR but some of you guys love to sugar coat the stories…here are some of my favorite:
1. Ramon Harris is the best defender on the team……SERIOUSLY???…..
2. Trevard Lindley is the best lock down corner in the SEC…..
3. Mark Krebs will see a bunch of time this year behind Jodie…
Those are just a couple that come to my head that I laugh hysterically at every time I read them. I am biased about Kentucky as well, but those three are more then absurd statements. Even I cant agree with those.
February 21st, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Bet: Harris starts over Miller the rest of the season. Sad!
February 21st, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Darius has really improved his shooting form from where it was earlier in the year, it’s still a little funky but confidence can cure that most of the time and he’ll only continue to improve his form. Pats last dunk and the DeAndre pass was nasty…has to make SC Top 10 and Gym Gems on college game night.
February 21st, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Bet: We won by 19 today.
February 21st, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Orton was there today. Can you imagine how bad ass he and PPat would be down low next year?
February 21st, 2009 at 8:59 pm
-19-8 overall (7-4 SEC)
-Key wins: West Virginia, Kansas State, @Tennessee, vs Tennessee, vs Florida
-Key Losses: VMI, @Ole Miss, vs South Carolina, vs Miss. State
-Last 10 games: 6-4
-Remaining games: @South Carolina, vs LSU, vs Georgia and @Florida
====================================================================== ===========================
In my opinion, UK will have to do one of two things to land a spot in the NCAA Tourney:
1) Beat South Carolina, LSU and Georgia and also at least play in the championship of the SEC Tourney
or
2) Win the SEC Tourney and get the automatic bid.
February 21st, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Coach praising Darius, and giving him a chest bump…I like it.
http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=915286
February 21st, 2009 at 9:03 pm
32- my hope is that LSU comes in still ranked, I know currently they’re like #23 or #24. A win over a ranked team would really look good.
February 21st, 2009 at 9:04 pm
34: I agree with you. I hope they come in ranked and I hope we beat them by 20 or 30. That would open some eyes.
February 21st, 2009 at 9:07 pm
South Carolina getting ready to squeak out another close game. When in the hell will their luck run out?
February 21st, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Their luck runs out on Wednesday. The Cocks will have a burning sensation as Meeks/Pattterson/Miller ignites and UK regains first place.
February 21st, 2009 at 9:13 pm
LSU will be ranked — we beat the crap out of them and then we bitch-slap Florida.
February 21st, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Chris Lofton was there and he spoke to the media and said he was rooting for Tennessee but also for his friend Darius Miller…I never hated Lofton cause he was just a good and respectful basketball player.
February 21st, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Look, I love how Darius played today, but we all know he won’t do that every game. Teams will still defend UK the same way until someone else steps up and has their play demand defense from the opponent. UK will struggle guarding Downey’s penetration b/c USC runs a high screen offense that UK struggles against BIG TIME! You’re gonna see tons of drive and dish for three. We just have to hope USC is cold from 3.
February 21st, 2009 at 9:28 pm
I think Billy G and the team will really study the USC game film and come up with a plan for Downey. I think he may still get some points, but he wont be as affective like he was before…and if he is, then that will just be sad.
February 21st, 2009 at 9:29 pm
Darius was not MR Basketball for nothing. He can BALL!
February 21st, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Ramon Harris was Alaska Mr. Basketball. He can’t ball!
February 21st, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Living in Knoxville I get a bit of inside track on how UT fans handle losses and boy they are upset with this one. The News sentinel calls it “the rock bottom of the Pearl era”…..I would think that getting beat by a team that has traditionally dominated you forever wouldn’t really be rock bottom. I mean we don’t like losing to UT in football, but it isn’t considered rock bottom anymore.
February 21st, 2009 at 9:46 pm
I don’t think there’s any question that the Darius Miller we saw today had a ton more confidence than the guy we saw earlier this season. The shots he made today are the ones he usually would’ve passed up. I would like to know if BCG did something to give Miller this new found confidence or if something just clicked for him.
It’s funny that a few weeks ago Porter and Miller said they passed up those open shots because they weren’t part of the offense. Yet, today, they weren’t even hesitating. Can you say coaching adjustment?
February 21st, 2009 at 9:51 pm
46 Porter was very steady today. I believe a 3-1 ratio on turnovers to assits. If Miller could just average 9-11 per game rest of the way, the CATS would be a threat to beat someone they should not. Harris zero turnovers and zero defensive rebounds. Miller and Galloway need to play his minutes for us to win the SEC tourney or more than one game in NCAA. Well done BILLYG!
February 21st, 2009 at 9:56 pm
If the Cats can’t box out and continue to give up that many offensive rebounds and 2nd chance points, it won’t matter how many points Miller scores. I learned how to box out when I was 5.
February 21st, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Good read here.
http://www.amnews.com/public_html/?module=displaystory&story_id=48125& format=html
February 21st, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Nice win and it looks like BCG has started reading KSR–there was a lot of adjustments today and I am very happy with coach. Miller was awesome. We need another monster effort against USC: Meeks/Patterson/Miller need to score and Harris/Stevenson need to rebound and block shots. If we beat USC and a ranked LSU team it bodes well for our tournament chances. Then a trip to Florida for the SEC East title. I think we can do it.
February 21st, 2009 at 10:11 pm
48) Miller looks like a velociraptor in that picture. That or an ostrich
February 21st, 2009 at 10:16 pm
It’s amazing when UK loses how many people go into “they sky is falling” mode, and after a win against a so-so Tenn team, Darius Miller is an All-American and UK is easily going to the tourney.
February 21st, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Jim Calhoun gets heated over salary question.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=3924716
February 21st, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Maggard just posted this in response to someone posting a picture of him…
Just when I was thinking how gay it was for Matt Jones to post a photo of him in the background of a shot (sitting in the student section) and point himself out…..
February 21st, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Its really scary to read over the comments section for the Game Thread. If you just read the comments you would have thought we lost by 20. Very Odd.
I agree with the announcers that we are a bad match-up for Tennessee. We struggle against teams with good three point shooting(USC, UNC, VMI) The only reason we lost to Vandy was no Patrick and everyone else was in foul trouble.
This is a good team, not a great team, but If I was anyone else in the tourney I would be scared to play us.
Now lets just make sure we make the tourney.
February 21st, 2009 at 10:50 pm
The pass from Liggins to P-Pat is on Epsn’s opening highlights
February 21st, 2009 at 10:58 pm
I bet ole’ Scotty Hop-fore-skin wishes he would have chosen UK now.
February 21st, 2009 at 11:04 pm
#56–probably not, since he now realizes that people like you only have conditional love for him. Were he a UK player, he’d be a ‘class act’ and a ‘great kid.’ Now to UK fans he is a ‘thug’ and Hop-fore-skin (which, by the way, makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.)
#54–dang straight. UK isn’t better than UT, per se, but matches up perfect against all of UT’s weaknesses. UK beats UT 7/10 times I’d say, but UT can beat teams that UK wouldn’t have a shot against (like a fully loaded Vandy team). Funny how that works.
February 21st, 2009 at 11:12 pm
I would like to have a discussion about Maryland charging the court tonight. Should they charge the court? They have beat UNC 3 times in the last 2 years? UNC wasn’t even number 1. UK will never ever charge the court. Ever. You have to act like you expect to win. If you are charging the court that you means you don’t expect to win. That’s why I Love it when we have done it in Football.
The only time I would ever condone Charging the court in RUPP is if the Final Four is played in Rupp and we win the National Title on our home floor. Then and only then will I agree with UK fans charging the court.
Come on Maryland, you just won the title 8 years ago! Try to act like you have done this before.
After we discuss this I would like to discuss the topic from December when people were saying this UNC team may be the best team in the history of College Athletics. A little perspective please.
February 21st, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Gary Williams has taken a lot of heat this season–the fans were excited. Let them celebrate.
February 21st, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Macon: Your team sucks. With Patterson we win against Vandy–we did it earlier in the year. Tenn shoots poorly from outside and then guards poorly. That was why Florida walked into Knoxville and beat you–poor defense and Parson’s light you up. Your team is done, there’s always next year.
February 21st, 2009 at 11:27 pm
I cant believe all the posts and no one’s mentioned Stevenson. Quite frankly, his solid play in the first 5 min set the tone and made the statement that the faceguard-Meeks- double-down-PPat just isn’t going to work today. They crumbled and were out of it.
February 21st, 2009 at 11:32 pm
We should have beaten South Carolina and Vandy for the 2nd time.. Injuries and luck kill us…..
February 21st, 2009 at 11:35 pm
South Carolina is out of luck–we win Wednesday.
February 22nd, 2009 at 12:21 am
#53 Hes just mad.
……BECAUSE if you were to put him in a group of say 200k people….You could easily spot his down syndrome lookin ass.
February 22nd, 2009 at 12:36 am
I gotta agree with 61. Stevenson hittin those jumpers meant someone had to guard him leavin Patterson with just one defender. This was just an overall good offensive game, the best all year because many players were involved. And as for Scotty Hopson, I was probably some of the select few that didnt want him. I mean, even his scout profile said lack of passion…that’s not the kinda player UK needs. And other than scoring, he doesnt do much else…just look at his stat line. I’ll take Darius Miller any day. I just think it’s funny how Scotty isnt havin that one and done type of year that everyone expected. I guess we will be lookin at him again next year. Then Hood and Miller will be outshining him.
February 22nd, 2009 at 12:57 am
66th!
February 22nd, 2009 at 2:16 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfkE9_X6tiU
February 22nd, 2009 at 2:18 am
^^^^Liggins to Patterson: Caution View at own risk. Extreme Nastiness^^^^^^
February 22nd, 2009 at 4:50 am
I think we will see Miller shoot a little worse and Meeks shoot a lot better next game, a fair tradeoff. It was really great to have some other scorers today though. All those people wishing CBG would just leave do realize that Pearl was the hottest commodity on the market when UT got him, would you like to trade CBG for him now?
All in all, a wonderful day, we also gained a game on UNC and UCLA lost at home. Now if Duke can just lay another egg tomorrow.
February 22nd, 2009 at 9:32 am
58, I dont know who would have ever said things like that.
February 22nd, 2009 at 10:14 am
[...] Kentucky Sports Radio gives its post-game summary. [...]
February 24th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Gotta love it. Kentucky basketball and the Foo Fighters. Two of my favorites in life.