Kentucky Wildcats get historic win thanks to second half defense
By Paul Jordan
At this point, John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats realize they are going to get the opposing teams best shot each and every time they step onto the court. Last night was no different as the Tennessee Volunteers fought the Wildcats to a 29-29 tie over the first 19 minutes of the game. Back to back three pointers by Devin Booker and Andrew Harrison gave Kentucky a bit of breathing room at the half. And then, Kentucky’s defense locked on during the second half, propelling the Wildcats to their record-setting 26th straight win to open a season.
"After leading 35-31 at the half, Kentucky’s renowned defense took over in the second half. The Volunteers shot 54.2 percent in the first half, but UK’s defense allowed just 17 points and 25 percent shooting, including 0-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc, in the final 20 minutes. “As players we gotta just know that it’s going to be tough everywhere we go, especially now that we’ve got this huge target on our back,” junior forward Willie Cauley-Stein said, who scored nine points and grabbed seven boards vs. the Vols. “The whole country wants us to lose, they want to see us lose, so we gotta come in like they’re trying to kills us and stuff. We’re not trying to let them, you know, get off on us. And so like, that’s the mentality you have to come in with, and if you don’t then it’s going to look like we’re sluggish or it looks like we’re not trying to play, and that’s not it at all. It’s just, like, dudes (are) really fighting for their lives, so we gotta fight back.” With increased media attention after every win, Kentucky is at the center of the college basketball universe even more so this year than perhaps ever before. Whether UK has been playing a top-10 opponent or a struggling team trying to find its way, UK has still been leading leading ESPN’s “Sportscenter” more times than not, and many “Pursuit of Perfection” ads are played each day promoting the Cats’ next game. “We don’t need all this other stuff that’s out there,” Coach Cal said. “I’m really watching closely all these shows that are saying how to beat us because I want to make sure I learn what to do when they say this is what you have to do to beat them. So I’m learning, really, I’m watching those shows so closely.”"
Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
The first half was not perfect for UK as Karl-Anthony Towns picked up two early fouls almost before the game even started. The Kentucky Wildcats remained perfect, but this was not the smartest game UK has played. John Clay has more.
"1. Not the smartest effort. This wasn’t one of Kentucky’s smartest efforts of the season. Karl-Anthony Towns picked up two fouls before the first minute of the game was completed. The Cats took too many threes in the first half. And the Cats did a terrible job boxing out on the defensive glass. UT ended up with 19 offensive boards to 18 defensive boards for the Cats. You have to wonder if the forced departure from UK’s road routine had something to do with the sluggish first half. Because of the predicted snow storm — which arrived — UK left a day early for Knoxville. Calipari said Monday he is a creature of habit, but that the team had no choice because of the weather."
Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Devin Booker led the Kentucky Wildcats with 18 points wven though the sharpshooter has been “in a slump” lately. Booker went 5-16 and 2-9 from long-range, but every time Kentucky needed a rebound or basket, he was there, especially in the first half.
"* Booker puts the Cats on his back. When one of the nation’s top shooters goes cold – 31 percent overall and just 2 of 9 from 3-point range against the Vols – he’s probably had a rough night. Not Booker, who still led UK in scoring, hit 6 of 6 free throws, grabbed seven rebounds and had an assist and steal. In the first half, when the Wildcats’ big men weren’t working the glass, the 6-6 Booker snagged four offensive boards. “That’s what makes him what he is: He’s not just a 3-point shooter now. He defends, he rebounds, he does all those other things,” Calipari said. “So when he’s not making shots, I can leave him in the game. We’ve got some other guys: You’re not making shots and then you don’t defensive rebound, guys run by you and tip balls in. It’s hard (to play you). You gotta give something if you’re not shooting.” Booker, who hit 50.6 percent from beyond the arc in his first 20 games, is not worried about his recent mini-slump: 6 for 23 on 3-pointers the last five games. “I’ve been through slumps before. I shoot (with) the same mechanics and just miss them. But those are shots I need to take for the team,” he said. “They’re open shots. Hopefully they’ll fall, but those shots set people up for getting offensive rebounds. That’s the way I look at it.”"