Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
David Perry LHL
Whether or not we said it openly, we all wanted to see something from the Cats tonight. Typically at this point in the season we begin to see separation between the top teams and the rest of the field. With tonight’s blowout win on the road at LSU, the Cats prove that they truly belong in that upper tier that are contending for a national title. Had Kentucky gone to the Bayou and struggled mightily or, heaven forbid, lost, I would have serious reservations about if they had what it takes to win in March. But, that’s not something we have to worry about since the Cats took care of business, 81-55. A bunch of observations from tonight’s game:
–Words cannot describe how terrible LSU was in the first half. Until tonight, the record for fewest field goals in a half in the SEC this season was 14. LSU had 6 in the first half. And after opening up a 6-1 lead over the first 5 minutes of the game, LSU only scored 8 more points the rest of the half. It would be unfair to blame LSU for just being bad, because Kentucky’s defense was nothing short of stellar and forced the Tigers into plenty of bad shots .
–The game, once again, belonged to Boogie. The man-child notched his 6th consecutive double double with 19 points and 12 rebounds. One more double-double and he will own the UK record for most consecutive. I really wish they kept stats on completed 3 point plays, because if they did, I’m positive that Cuz would be near the top of the NCAAs. He has shown such strength and finesse in 2010 that has, put simply, made him a boatload of cash monies. It’s a joy to watch him play.
–A lot of talk lately had been surround Patrick Patterson’s struggles. Word has it that Cal has been working with Pat one-on-one in the last week and tonight it showed in a big way. Pat took 13 shots, which is the most he’s taken since the Georgia game, and finished with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Those numbers are good, but they don’t really tell the true impact he had on the floor tonight. He was very active and played with swagger. To succeed in March, we need this from Pat every night. Pat was also called on to guard Tasmin Mitchell at points, drawing praise from Cal - “He is doing things they didn’t know he could do. He can guard a 2, 3, 4, or 5.” Cal also commented that Patrick is 80% there, saying “He’s got 20% more to go before he’s where I want him to be.”
–John Wall has his lowest point total of the season, tallying only 6 points on 2-9 shooting. He made his impact felt in other areas, however, adding 4 boards, 4 assists and 2 steals.
–Whatever happened between Cal and Liggins in the first part of the season, it’s lit a fire under DeAndre’s tail. I love watching him play now. Truly UK’s X Factor.
–Cal got on the refs a little in the post-game conference in regards to Boogie’s inadvertant elbow. After Cuz blocked a shot and got possession, he moved to protect the ball and immediately the referees whistled him for an offensive foul. While there was an LSU player near, it was obvious that Boogie meant nothing intentional by it and, if anything, the only person in danger was DeAndre Liggins, who was the nearest to the ‘bow. Cal took exception to the refs stopping the game to review the play for mal-intent. Cal openly questioned how the refs can let Cousins get pushed, shoved and hacked and then when he retaliates even in the slightest, review tape and make a huge deal out of it. I’d say Cal’s right.
–Cal said in his conference that “DeMarcus was DeMarcus.” This reminds me of Charlie Coles saying “Cousins became Cousins” in his unique vernacular. Perhaps Charlie knew something we didn’t at the time, and that’s just what DeMarcus Cousins would become.
Lots of other takeaways from the game, but for now, let’s just enjoy that we’re 22-1 and likely to ascend to #2 (at least in the Coach’s Poll) come Monday. And courtesy of Gentleman John Clay, here’s Cal’s post-game presser.
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February 6th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
2 late 2 b 1st
February 6th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
Nice recap Barker. I may be wrong, but I think 14 FGs is the lowest for a game in the SEC this year, not a half. If I am wrong, I’ll own it. I’m just going by what was said at halftime.
February 6th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
2 - I thought that’s what I heard them say as well.
February 6th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Cousins 15, LSU 14@half….LSU is friggin’ terrible.
February 6th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
2. Yeah 14 seems like a lot. That would mean no SEC team has scored less than 28 points in a half this year, and that’s impossible. Check your stats Barker…
But overall, good game. Wish Wall would’ve gotten a few more assists or something since his POY lead is really shrinking, but I’ll take the #1 seed in the tournament over POY any day.
February 6th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
LSU scored a total of 45 points in the 1st half of their past 3 games combined. I’m not trying to nitpick because this was actually a very good recap. Either way, our defense was very good in the 1st half.
February 6th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Wall ran the team well tonight. Not worried about numbers. Got teammates involved like great point guards do. Great game all around from Pat, Bled, and Cuz. Loved the effort off the bench from Orton, Liggins, and Harris.
February 6th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Issel had 7 straight double doubles to end his Junior season and started his Senior season with 5 double doubles. If they can all be considered consecutive, then the UK record should be 12, if not, it is 7 consecutive double doubles, not 6
February 6th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Link http://bigbluehistory.net/bb/statistics/Players/Issel_Dangbg.html
February 6th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
Major props to Liggins for zero drama this year after his initial suspension. He’s doing exactly what Cal is telling him to do and is doing a fine job.
February 6th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
i was really rooting for miller and he just didnt do well today. he could be a key player coming down the stretch. heres to hoping he gets on a hot streak. good game for all!
Go CATS!
February 6th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
“With tonight’s blowout win on the road at LSU, the Cats prove that they truly belong in that upper tier that are contending for a national title.”
Not to take anything away from the great win, but really, blowing out the worst team in the conference proves that?
February 6th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
8/9 i think he is referring to the freshman recprd
February 6th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
I thought Cal’s comments about Cuz were classic. My favorite quote was: Hey, it’s not his fault that he’s that Big.” The refs are trying to make a project out of him. They hang all over him like lights on a Christmas tree and he gets no calls. What I really like is how he is keeping his composure. That little dastardly grin of his does more damage than his elbows(Although if given the choice of being on the receiving end, I’ll take the grin.) He is the most dominate post player ever to adorn the Blue and White.
February 6th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
i LOVE Boogie … love him … but i see Patterson taking the BIG shots that take us where we want to go … possibly from beyond the arc
February 6th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
Patrick must have had his Puppies Scent tonight!!
February 6th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
12—yes because it shows the team’s focus is where it should be, not looking beyond lesser teams, etc. at least i agree with the assessment.
February 6th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
16 - that’s puppies set off the bus. As in “toes” set behind the line for 3.
February 6th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
I know this is bias, but how can Kansas still be #1 next week when this is their second straight close game against a far lesser opponent. I’m not even arguing for us to be #1. I’m just sayin how can THEY be?
February 6th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
17- It’s not that I don’t think we’re just that, but just because we didn’t play down to the level of the competition doesn’t mean anything. Plenty of teams blow-out other teams and they aren’t in that echelon of teams.
February 6th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
LARRY BROWN has a banner at the PMAC??? what a joke….he may of had some good teams with Shaq but beyond that???
February 6th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
I think Wall’s 6 points is actually a testament to how much he is a true point guard. I don’t think anyone will argue he could have blown up that LSU team for whatever he wanted but he chose to do exactly what he needed to help the team win. I have to admit though, I can’t wait until there is a game where he needs to score 30 for us to win because I have no doubt he will put on a show!
February 6th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
20. im not completely sure, but i dont think they look at the margin of victory, just whether they won or not. also, i dont think a team can drop in the rankings if they win that week, but im not positive
February 6th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
I have been waiting for Cal to say something about Cuz getting hammered down low. When Wall gave him the pass on the break away and he was fouled, that little white guy went flying!!! Can Cuz play DT this year for the football team?
February 6th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
Did they not say that the record was 14 field goals was the record for a whole game instead of a half? I am pretty sure teams get less than 14 field goals in a half pretty frequently. For example, South Carolina only had 8 field goals in the first half tonight against Tennessee.
February 6th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
28. Yeah, I heard that wrong. Disregard that part.
February 6th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
Larry Brown didn’t coach at LSU, but Dale did while also playing 2 guard for UK.
February 6th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
29) Consider it disregarded.
February 6th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
Georgia up by 7 on Vandy with 5:00 to play.
February 6th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
why no love, guys? I got the second most assists on the team tonight. ITS MILLER TIME!!!
February 6th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
Georgia is about to take down Vandy.
If we take care of business the SEC is ours again.
February 6th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Barker, what’s up with the anchor tags around all the videos today? Not sure how you guys go about submitting content, but I’ve noticed them on several posts today. You may wanna check your html, homey :).
February 6th, 2010 at 10:06 pm
GO BIG BLUE
February 6th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Down goes Vandy.
February 6th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
The fact wall runs the team and puts everyone else in a position to score only cements him as the top pg in my mind. I love him. If I had the skills he has I would Jack up 25 shots a game. This may go down as my favorite uk team of all time.
February 6th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
Vandy beat by Georgia and South Carolina loses by 26? hahahahahhahahahahahahha
February 6th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
IM BA_AAAAAAACK!
February 6th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
#20: I was in Boulder for the CU vs KU game–Kentucky is bigger and faster than Kansas. Seriously, if we played them we would win. Not a doubt in my mind. They would’nt be able to stop Boogie/Wall/Patterson…I like our chances this year if we can get continued production from Miller/Dodson/Liggins from behind the arc and defensively.
February 6th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
You have not finish ahead of the VOLS since I have been the coach at UT, what makes you think you are going to do it this year. UK has not played one single team this year worth mentioning. Bring it on kitty cats - Bruce!
February 6th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
I scored more than Darius today.
February 6th, 2010 at 10:25 pm
Looks like the boys are stuck in Baton Rouge tonight. Is the weather that bad in Lexington?
February 6th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
Great job by Cal getting the message to Patterson that he needed to hustle more and be aggressive. Cal is great at hyping players through the media to get them motivated. Patterson was very active today.
Cal’s next project is Bledsoe…if you listen closely…he is speaking to Bledsoe about his hero moves. Bledsoes shooting has gone south from the 3 point line and free throw line. If Bledsoe just attempted normal shots and made simple passes while leading the break than this team would be much better. The great thing is…Cal knows this and he is working on it. Says it at every press conference. Bledsoe is young and that AND1 style of play is hard to break.
February 6th, 2010 at 10:40 pm
Barker your stats are all over the place. Patrick had 16 points and 5 rebounds, and Cousines had 19 and 13
February 6th, 2010 at 10:46 pm
I have been waiting for a road blowout win like that. This team is for real. I have been cautious about saying this but we look like the favorites to win the NC. There is just something not right about Kansas.
February 6th, 2010 at 10:46 pm
Anyone notice wall had different shoes than everyone else? Anyone know what they are?
February 6th, 2010 at 10:49 pm
this is for OwensboroCatFan.
With a swag as pure as Peter Parker,
and a game that fits his name.
Your the type of person and a player,
to bring Lexington the fame.
Backing down the opponent in the block,
is where your needed most.
we can see you juke your mans jock,
when we are going coast to coast.
We know the miles are many,
from your family you are apart.
Understand one thing thats plenty,
is the love in a UK fans heart.
For a team with so much talent,
and a coach not far from great.
We’ll need you when we reach our peak,
Thats right, it’s title eight.
So you chose to rep our state,
may God be with you here.
But to see you maximize your skillz,
Calipari’s blue you wear.
February 6th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
42) There is another way of looking at this. As bad as Clyde was at UK, and make no mistake, he was bad, he was 3-1 against Brucey Pearl. Anyone with half a brain knows that UT in the past three years does not even closely equate with the run UK is about to enjoy. Just shut up and take your upcoming beatings like a man Brucey.
February 6th, 2010 at 10:53 pm
No!!!!!! Please no more poems!!
February 6th, 2010 at 10:53 pm
Hey sweaty man tits (Bruce Pearl) we are better than you at every position. That’s why you will get beat.
February 6th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
I just finished watching the game on DVR. The 5 that finished the game might have been our starting 5 this year under BCG - Miller, Hood, Krebs, Stevenson and Harrellson.
February 6th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
Big Cuz’s Elbow… “I aint mad atcha”
February 6th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
Cal is right, Boogie takes hard fouls all the time with no call. Then he clears a rebound and the refs stop the game to check the Geneva Convention. So stupid.
February 6th, 2010 at 11:45 pm
Wall wil be truly great when he can be happy with a game like today. His stats were very pedestrian, but he ran the team very well and made good decisions. This is how we need him to play in the tourney. (I actually think they had to have missed a couple of his assists)
February 7th, 2010 at 12:49 am
WOW!I love what Coach Cal said about the possibility of using PPat at the 3. That lineup would be HUGE!
Cousins+Orton+Patterson+Bledsoe+Wall=#8
February 7th, 2010 at 5:33 am
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…go cats …..zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
February 7th, 2010 at 10:09 am
Darnell Dodson is one of the nicest guys I Have seen playing for UK. He signed lots of autographs after the game last night. Don’t know what but Wall was not friendly at all after the game. My wife knows not much about basketball or UK for that but said didn’t like Wall. Demarcus signed very few autos was in a hurry to get on bus but made me laugh pretty hard telling my wife “he was in a hurry maam”. He did get beat up under the goal in the first half by Warren. Pissed me off and I let the refs hear it and LSU fans around us agreed. Their going to get him hurt if they don’t call the big fouls made against him.
February 7th, 2010 at 10:13 am
Orton is huge. He drarfs us and Demarcus is even bigger!!! Wow. PPat did not stop and say much to us. Scott Padgett had a good laugh when he was signing my wifes hat and I told him he had a nice UK ring. Orton is a real nice kid too. Very impressed with most of our kids this year.
February 7th, 2010 at 10:16 am
Oh yeah, and the behind the back layup by Wall was spectacular!! You cannot tell just how fast he is on tv.