Kentucky wins a close one at Auburn 72- 67. Auburn stayed in the game by driving through the lane and shooting the three pointer, while our All-American Freshman sent us a gentle reminder that taking care of the ball and playing defense, is not what makes them special.
There’s no arguing that our Freshman class is the best in the nation, and the only reason we’re 18-0. It’s also interesting that when it gets late in the game and every possession is critical, Calipari always chooses to go with a few more veterans in the line-up.
After taking a 19 point lead in the first half, Auburn started to make a run after recruiting Moncell Allen to be the lead blocker on plays down the middle that repeatedly resulted in easy layups. What?…you’re telling me Moncell Allen wasn’t in the game? How else could Auburn continue to drive strait to the goal without a Kentucky player jumping in front of them? Are you trying to say we just didnt’ play defense? Evidently Calipari felt the same way.
Late in the game as with every game, Calipari stuck with the five guys he felt gave his team the best chance to win. In this game, that means someone who can play defense. Darius Miller and DeAndre Liggins found themselves finishing the game as the defensive specialist or the only players that actually moved their feet on that end of the floor….you can decide on that one.
Here’s are a few observations….
Patrick Patterson– Tarzan first half, Jane the second half. In his defense, I’m starting to see why it’s hard for this guy to get into the game. It’s kind of hard when you play the high post and your guards are either looking for Boogie down low or they’re driving and throwing the ball away. They’ve got to start making better decisions once they get inside the lane.
John Wall – He’s John Wall and every game he makes a few turnovers, but he always makes up for them. This game was no different, but his positive balance is starting to run out. If he doesn’t receive player of the year honors, it will be directly related to his turnovers.
Eric Bledsoe – Coming off of a great game against Florida, it seemed as if he was just trying to do way too much. I think he may be faster that Wall, but he doesn’t have the body control. This results in a number of out of control shots or passes that lead to turnovers 80% of the time. If he can get things under control, he may be even more dangerous than John Wall
Demarcus Cousins– Like Patterson, I think the guard play made it hard for him to get into the game. He was all “Boogie” in the second half and made some critical baskets down the stretch.
Darnell Dodson– Played a season low 9 minutes and made one three. Why only nine minutes? I would say turnovers and the lack of defense. If he wants more playing time, he’s going to have to take better care of the ball and become a stopper on defense.
DeAndre Liggins– Today he made up for his laps against Florida. With pressure defense and smart plays on offense, he found himself being one of the “chosen ones” for the late game finish. There was a number of times where Liggins found himself guarding up to four Auburn players on the same possession. He wasn’t concerned about it being “not his man”, he knew it was his job to stop the ball and stop the Auburn momentum. He’ll see even more playing time against Arkansas.
Darius Miller – Another solid performance by Miller. In the first half he seemed to be the only player who was actually ready to play defense. He also hit a three pointer and made smart plays on offense. Not turnovers!
Perry Stevenson– Seems to be getting more playing time as now that we’re in conference play. Some of it is due to foul trouble, and I’ve got to think Calipari is just looking for someone to be active on defense. Solid minutes for Stevenson today.
Patrick Patterson Interview
DeAndre Liggins Interview
Auburn Coach – Jeff Lebo
John Calipari Interviews
Calipari Part II
