Keldon Johnson attacking the basket in the half court and transition was the difference in the game. Finished a ton of easy baskets and made a living at the line.
Tennessee State had way too many points in the paint in the first half. Repeatedly beat Kentucky on backdoor cuts and passes. UK didn't contest enough at the rim. On the other end, Tennessee State contested pretty much everything that Kentucky did near the rim. Cats only had about eight points in the paint in the 1H.
Late in the first half UK started to swing the ball around the perimeter effectively and then attack the basket and that's when they started to get some separation. TN State is different than some of the other teams UK has played this year in that they clearly are not as good a shooting team but they can put the ball on the floor, have some athleticism of their own and were better able to grab some rebounds.
Right out of the gate in the second half Kentucky looked better. Played with better energy on both ends although TN State was still able to drive the ball better than they should have.
I know Kentucky is blocking some shots but it's striking to see teams go at the rim so uncontested. On the bright side, Kentucky's defense did improve in the 2H and in particular the three-point defense was better.
At one point late Kentucky got sloppy and TN State just about cut the deficit to 10. I think the team needs this little break that's coming up, just to reset and come back with a fresh approach. Not really ready to call this a good win because that was not a good opponent and it left quite a bit to be desired.
Tennessee State had way too many points in the paint in the first half. Repeatedly beat Kentucky on backdoor cuts and passes. UK didn't contest enough at the rim. On the other end, Tennessee State contested pretty much everything that Kentucky did near the rim. Cats only had about eight points in the paint in the 1H.
Late in the first half UK started to swing the ball around the perimeter effectively and then attack the basket and that's when they started to get some separation. TN State is different than some of the other teams UK has played this year in that they clearly are not as good a shooting team but they can put the ball on the floor, have some athleticism of their own and were better able to grab some rebounds.
Right out of the gate in the second half Kentucky looked better. Played with better energy on both ends although TN State was still able to drive the ball better than they should have.
I know Kentucky is blocking some shots but it's striking to see teams go at the rim so uncontested. On the bright side, Kentucky's defense did improve in the 2H and in particular the three-point defense was better.
At one point late Kentucky got sloppy and TN State just about cut the deficit to 10. I think the team needs this little break that's coming up, just to reset and come back with a fresh approach. Not really ready to call this a good win because that was not a good opponent and it left quite a bit to be desired.
