It was a disappointing loss, no doubt about it. In a tightly played game throughout, the Wildcats fell to North Carolina 75-73 in a game that must be learned from. I was hoping for a big game from Brandon Knight, who was the leading scorer at halftime but ended up with a terrible second half as one of four Kentucky players to foul out. One of the big problems during the game.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
There are three major points that must be improved on from this game.
1. [B]Transition Defense:[/B] It has been a bit of a problem all year that showed up today as well. The Wildcats have to start getting back on defense. There were too many run outs by UNC leading to easy points. If we stopped just one of those, the outcome would have been different.
2. [B]Paint Points:[/B] Terrence Jones is the only offensive threat in the paint for Kentucky and since he was off, the Wildcats had no force down low. UNC had a 20 point advantage down low (14-34) and had no answer on the defensive end. Josh had a few plays, Eloy was absent (as always) and we need Enes.
3. [B]Foul Trouble:[/B] Four Wildcats fouling out hurt especially with three of them being starters. Vargas the Harrellson both had 3 fouls at halftime and played longer in the 2nd half than expected. The last minute may have been different with Jones and Knight on the floor.
Although it wasn’t a critical part of the game, I would have given anything to see Polson throw up that last shot. I give the kid credit, had he done so and missed everyone would have flamed him for not passing to Jones. However, if Polson would have taken the ball be would have gotten a few steps closer to the goal and may have had a better chance at hitting the shot. And could you imagine if he had made it?
There are things to work on, but it’s still early in the season. Don’t get too discouraged. We all want wins every game but the season is very young.
