3 Things We Loved But Secretly Hated About the Wichita State Game

Kentucky Basketball’s victory over Wichita State was full of highlight reel moments. But some of those moments – though tremendous and instrumental for us to win – made fans want to pull their hair out.

In the course of any good basketball game, especially one as nail-biting as Kentucky Basketball’s matchup against Wichita State, there are moments that stick with you. The Big Blue Nation will end up remembering the force of nature that was Bam Adebayo, the left-handed jams of De’Aaron Fox, and, of course, the back-to-back, game-winning blocks. But I’m stuck remembering three great plays that left me internally frustrated.

Isaiah Briscoe drilling this three pointer.

This was one of those plays where you shout, “No! Why would you – nice shot, kid! Great shot!”

Yes, it was early in the game, and he did make the thing, but I was worried that Isaiah Briscoe would continue taking wild shots from deep and put the Wildcats in jeopardy.

I mean, look at where his feet are! He’s practically on top of the logo. As much as I appreciate the sheer audacity of it, this isn’t the shot I want Briscoe taking. Fans want to see him put his head down, drive the lane and finish through some contact. Getting the and-one would be nice, too.

Bam Adebayo not dunking.

Early in the first half, Bam Adebayo hit a jump-shot about eight feet from the basket. It was clean. But then it got me wondering: will he keep shooting farther and farther from the basket as the tournament rolls on?

Much like the first thing I loved/hated, number two is all about playing to one’s strengths. And we know what Bam’s strengths are: posting guys up, grabbing boards, and cramming the ball into the basket.

Adebayo’s mid-range game is the next step in his development as a player. Can he consistently face up, and can he do it at the next level? That remains to be seen. I love when Bam can make open jumpers, but it’s tournament time. We need to see more of his ferocious play around the rim if we want to keep our tournament hopes alive.

Malik Monk stuffing Markis McDuffie.

What. A. Play. This was outstanding defense from Monk, and it was one of the biggest reasons Kentucky was able to advance against Wichita State. But where was that effort the first 37 minutes?

The first thing that I noticed in this game was how simple it was for whichever player Monk was guarding to create separation. The shooting guard had some difficulty sticking with his man through screens, traffic and simple back-door cuts.

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We know he has the athleticism to hound players on the defensive end. That emphatic block to help seal the game was the perfect example. I just hope he maintains that level of tenacity when Kentucky Basketball travels to Memphis to take on UCLA this Friday.