Kentucky's 85-65 loss to Ohio State left Big Blue Nation frustrated and searching for answers. Here are five glaring issues the Wildcats need to address if they want to get back on track.
1. Shooting Struggles: Who Are These Guys?
Tonight was just the 2nd time in the shot clock era (since 1985-1986) that @KentuckyMBB played a game in which they shot worse than 30% from the field while their opponent shot better than 56% from the field:
— Corey Price (@coreyp08) December 22, 2024
- February 5th, 1991 at LSU: Kentucky shot 29.2% from the field…
It’s tough to win when you shoot 29.8% from the field and 18.2% from three. Kentucky’s key players are simply underperforming compared to their career averages. Jaxson Robinson shot 1-for-6 from deep, and Koby Brea wasn’t much better at 1-for-4. On a night when Ohio State shot 56.6% overall, the Wildcats needed their best shooters to show up—and they didn’t. Pope has emphasized spacing and ball movement, but it won’t matter unless shots start falling.
2. Rebounding: A Missed Opportunity
FINAL: Kentucky falls to Ohio State 85-65
— Wyatt Huff (@Wildcat_wave) December 22, 2024
Kentucky couldn't get really anything to go right tonight. Struggled with physical play, shooting, rebounding, and just dug themselves a hole and never could respond with a big run. Can't start to count on those! Cats shot 30% overall,… pic.twitter.com/GJkUBLFhtJ
When you miss as many shots as Kentucky did (40, to be exact), you should dominate the boards. Instead, Ohio State won the rebounding battle 35-32. Amari Williams led Kentucky with just eight rebounds, and no one else came close to double digits. The Cats must impose their will on the glass, especially in games where scoring is scarce.
3. Bench Drop-Off: Where’s the Support?
Ohio State has scouted Kentucky well. Their guards are really tough off the middle ball-screen. I expect an adjustment from Pope there at the half. The Buckeyes are better with Aaron Bradshaw than without. I also expect Pope will shorten the bench. They lost flow with subbing.
— David Sisk (@CoachDavidSisk) December 21, 2024
When Lamont Butler or Andrew Carr head to the bench, the Wildcats’ performance drops off dramatically. None of the reserves—R.J. Almonor, Sam Chandler, Noah, Perry, or Brandon Garrison—have stepped up consistently. Noah has barely seen the floor, and it might be time to give him a real shot. Kentucky needs more than just warm bodies off the bench; they need production.
4. Predictable Offense
I was not expecting this much dribbling and driving by Kentucky. I was expecting more passing, cutting, and shooting.
— Troy Kolb (@TroyKolb) December 22, 2024
Opposing teams are pressing Kentucky and denying easy passes, and the Wildcats aren’t adjusting. The passing is slow, the cutting is uninspired, and the team looks stuck in neutral. A team built on balance and sharing the load can’t afford such stagnation. It’s time to start exploiting space and quicken the tempo.
5. Jaxson Robinson: Back to the Bench?
I think Mark Pope may have to take a look at bringing Jaxson Robinson off the bench again, this is hard to watch every single game his body language & effort is in question.
— BKS Sports (@BKSecretsports) December 22, 2024
Robinson has shown flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency is holding him back. His 40% shooting overall and 30% from three aren’t cutting it. A move back to the sixth-man role, where he excelled last year, might help him regain his spark. Starting Brea could provide steadier scoring and allow Robinson to come in firing with better body language.
The Wildcats have the talent, but without addressing these issues, the road ahead will remain bumpy. BBN, it’s time to regroup and refocus. The potential is still there—now it’s about unlocking it during a daunting SEC.