Kentucky basketball defeats St. Joseph: 3 Takeaways

Kentucky basketball pulled out a win in overtime against the feisty, upset-minded St. Joseph Hawks.

Despite losing to common opponent Texas A&M Commerce on Friday in the Wildcat Challenge, the Hawks came in with a strong scout and worked the game plan for every minute of regulation and overtime.

3 Key Takeaways

Tre Mitchell is worth his weight in gold

Tre Mitchell, another transfer from West Virginia, is proving his value every game. Coming into Monday’s contest, Mitchell was leading the team in minutes played and was second on the team in rebounds, assists, and blocks.

Offensively, his versatility at the top of the key is invaluable. He can set firm screens, pop out for open shots, pass to cutters, and effectively release pressure off the guards. And, as we saw Monday night with timely offensive rebounds, he is active on the glass. Defensively, he is a savvy veteran who is engaged in every play by communicating on the court and helping the young guards learn their way around screens. After knocking down back-to-back 3-pointers in overtime, Mitchell added another layer to his skillset: clutch.

Reed Sheppard MVP?

What started as an intriguing story for the young freshman guard from London, is turning into a crucial piece in the early stages of the season. Sheppard lit up the nets on Friday night scoring 25 points in 26 minutes of action, including a blistering 7-of-8 from beyond the arc. Early on, you could sense the Hawks had the scouting report on Sheppard and would not let him get a clean look at the basket.

However, what makes Reed so special is his ability to impact the game without putting the ball in the hoop. This mantra is preached in every recreation league game across the world, but watching Sheppard go out and shine in his role, is becoming a difference-maker for the Wildcats. Despite missing his only shot of the night, Sheppard led the team in the plus/minus category with +16. You’d be hard-pressed to convince anyone that Sheppard isn’t the most valuable player on the roster right now.

Antonio Reeves and Rob Dillingham: defensive liability?

Coaches love to harp on the “ability to defend your position.” Unfortunately for Coach Calipari and the UK coaching staff, one ongoing concern was magnified again. As much as the Wildcats need their scoring, playmaking, and overall court presence, their inability to hold up on defense is costing them valuable minutes on the court.

The St. Joseph guards did a great job of forcing Reeves and Dillingham to defend their shot, their drives, and their off-ball cuts all night long As the game got tighter later in the 2nd half, you saw coach Calipari choose players who could impact the game on both ends of the court. Although much to the chagrin of the fans at Rupp Arena and watching on TV, Reeves and Dillingham had to watch the closing minutes from the sideline.

The upcoming schedule does not magically get easier. The expectation is each game will be a dogfight. Until the Wildcats find depth, they need both players to improve their commitment to defense so Calipari can trust them down the stretch.