Easy to say what and ignore the context of both this game and the larger college basketball landscape. Winning on the road is harder than it's ever been. Top 10 teams are winning less than 40% of the time on the road this year.
Last game we got absolutely punched in the mouth. All systems failure, no doubt about that. And then this game starts with us shooting 1-15, missing open shots and point blank layups, and going down by double digits. It would be really easy for this team to have folded and let the game get out of hand in one of the toughest arenas in the country for road teams to play in.
But what did they do? Slowly figured it out. Found a lineup that was having a lot of success and stuck with it and grinded out a win. The spread was UK -5.5 and we won by 6. Did it without Dillingham. Defensive effort was much better overall. Rebounding was better. Ugo played very well. Sheppard returned to form in the second half and was great at facilitating the offense and took what the defense gave him and hit some shots.
Games like this can turn into turning points for teams. After South Carolina there was some huge question marks and this team responded quite well in the second half today. The freshmen still aren't used playing in tough road environments but the team pulled it out today.
Starting 1-15, going down by a lot and then coming back to win is a huge learning experience and confidence boost. If this team starts out slow in the tournament you can regroup and look to a game like this to know you shouldn't panic. I think this is one of those games that looks ugly but pay dividends down the line.
