5 Takeaways from Kentucky vs. South Carolina

2. The Cats Defense to Start the First Half

Kentucky came out solid on defense, holding the Gamecocks without a field goal for over six minutes to start the game. As always, the defensive efforts on the perimeter were led by Hagans, who had an early steal which jumpstarted the team.

Kentucky’s interior defense is incredibly strong when both Richards and E.J. Montgomery are on the floor together. Not only do they challenge every shot at the basket, but their athleticism allows the Cats to get rebounds and settle into their transition offense for easy baskets.

Their absence was missed when South Carolina found some success late in the first half when both of these bigs were on the bench.

Kentucky will have to find a way to manage to play their aggressive style of defense while limiting fouls, however. Kentucky put South Carolina in the 1-and-1 by the first T.V. timeout and had committed their 9th team foul by the 10-minute mark.

Also, giving up 56 points in a half is a recipe for disaster. Kentucky’s tenacity and effectiveness in the first half faded after halftime. Immanuel Quickley, Montgomery, Hagans, and Richards were plagued with foul trouble throughout the second half, as well.