Perspective Part II - Duke vs Bryant

[Bkocats]

We saw a lot more positives last night in UK vs NJIT.

As was stated in the last thread on perspective, both teams UK played are tourney teams - and both teams Duke played are far from it.

Let's look at Duke vs Bryant last night -
Final Score: 113-75 (difference of 38 points)
Duke: FG 53%; 3ptFG: 50%; FT: 75.9%
Bryant: FG: 48.3%; 3ptFG: 50% FT: 50%

Duke outrebound them 42-24; they had 17 assists to 6 turnovers and had 14 steals to go with 6 blocks

Kentucky vs NJIT 87-57 (difference 30 pts)
Kentucky shot: FG 46.4%; 3ptFG 23.8%; FT: 75%
NJIT: FG: 30.9%; 3ptFG: 26.3%; FT 81.8%

we outrebounded NJIT 54-23; had 14 assists, but also 14 turnovers; and had 6 steals. But we also had 9 blocks

While Duke's shooting numbers are better, they also allowed a team who has never been to the NCAA tourney 75 points. Our defensive numbers are better- we allowed NJIT 57 points total . And you will notice the FT % was very close. Obviously, Duke is a better team than NJIT - but I think it still applies.

Jamal Murray did not play, offensively, as well as he had previously - if it was simply an off night, he'll be fine.

My biggest concerns (playing) right now are our turnovers, and their three point shooting. If we can defend the perimeter, we'll be good. But - Duke can get out in transition on turnovers, as we all know.

I do believe Kentucky is better prepared based on who we've played. And, as bad as our defense SEEMS to us right now - I think it's still better than what Duke has shown so far.

Take this as you all will - and discuss.

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

If Duke gave up 75 to Bryant UK may very well score 100.

 

[IL Wildcat]

The most impressive stat of last night's game for UK is holding them to 30.9% and to only 57 points. Scoring 87 wasn't a shock but doing it without Murray really playing his best makes it more impressive.

I think playing two better opponents to this point is an advantage for UK at this point. Both teams are young. Both teams have some veterans who know what to expect. So the teams are fairly even in that respect.

The big question UK has answered that Duke hasn't is "how will these young guys respond when they are punched in the mouth?" UK knows the answer to this question but the young guys for Duke haven't experienced it yet. Defending that Princeton style offense, run by experienced players, helps too.

I think our Cats have an edge on a neutral court right now.

 

[blueblood65]

I can't wait to see this matchup...Both teams are young with a few returnees. Should be a fun and exciting game...GO CATS!!!

 

[johnl1219]

If Duke gave up 75 to Bryant UK may very well score 100.

Actually, I watched the entire game and Bryant started jacking up 3's like crazy in the 2nd half. They were hitting quite a few contested 3's. Plus, the game was so fast up and down the court, the score was higher because of that.

I don't think it will be indicative of Tuesday night. Plus, I think a big factor for Kentucky was how short NJIT was. Their tallest guys barely played, so it was easier for Kentucky to score inside. Again, something that will not matter on Tuesday night.

 

[FlCATFan]

We should learn a lot about Skal from this game. He'll be facing some big, strong, and experienced competition in his first real game college career. How well he responds might be the deciding factor of the game.

 

[Bkocats]

We should learn a lot about Skal from this game. He'll be facing some big, strong, and experienced competition in his first real game college career. How well he responds might be the deciding factor of the game.

excellent point.

 

[WildMoon]

Using Kenpom.

Kentucky
Overall: #2
Off: #6
Defense: #2
Competition: Albany #127, NJIT #166

Duke
Overall:#1
Off: #1
Defense: #14
Competition: Siena #165, Bryant #246

 

[KyFord]

Yeah it's apparent that our 2 games have been against better competition so the Dukies might be in for a surprise Tuesday night.

 

[Bkocats]

Using Kenpom.

Kentucky
Overall: #2
Off: #6
Defense: #2
Competition: Albany #127, NJIT #166

Duke
Overall:#1
Off: #1
Defense: #14
Competition: Siena #165, Bryant #246

You know, I really still don't get Kenpom, LOL. But that's ok - if someone else does it's all good

 

[johnl1219]

Using Kenpom.

Kentucky
Overall: #2
Off: #6
Defense: #2
Competition: Albany #127, NJIT #166

Duke
Overall:#1
Off: #1
Defense: #14
Competition: Siena #165, Bryant #246

I don't know much about Bryant or how they are rated, but their schedule is pretty tough this year. They played Duke, but then they play Harvard, Georgetown, Providence, Michigan and Mount St. Mary's twice. That's a decent schedule for a team that no one has heard of. I doubt they stay at #246.

 

[WildMoon]

You know, I really still don't get Kenpom, LOL. But that's ok - if someone else does it's all good

it's still pretty inaccurate, a lot of it is based off last year still.

For the most part, it says similar thing as what you said. We played better competition, we are relatively the same currently.

 

[wildcatsboston1984]

Using Kenpom.

Kentucky
Overall: #2
Off: #6
Defense: #2
Competition: Albany #127, NJIT #166

Duke
Overall:#1
Off: #1
Defense: #14
Competition: Siena #165, Bryant #246

Pomeroy rankings are basically meaningless two games into a season

 

[YaySports]

something else to keep in mind is NJIT hit their first 6 shots. after that they shot 11/49 for 22%. great defensive stats no matter who you play.

 

[docholiday51]

Duke was able to trap and pressure the teams in the first 2 games,if they try to do that with Ulis,Briscoe and Murray we will eat them alive.On the other hand the Duke size will give us something we haven't seen so far and how well we deal or don't deal with that will be a factor.If the game turns into a track meet I like our chances.

 

[WildMoon]

Pomeroy rankings are basically meaningless two games into a season

thanks for repeating what i just said! #ThumbsUp

 

[FlCATFan]

Does anyone believe we might see a little more of Humphries during the Duke game? His size plus his consistency with that mid-range jumper might stretch the Duke interior defense. That would provide more space for Murray and company to use the dribble-drive.

 

[Stonewall12]

Kennard was 1-5 from 3 also.
Both him and Murray had bad shooting games the game before.
Skal should take Plumlee to school. Plumlee is not a focal point of duke's offense. He sits picks and rebounds. That is it.
I think we should run the DDO down duke's throat. They have been VERY aggressive in their half court defense. We start driving and weaving we should pick up some fouls on their guards.
I have watched their first two games and they still get the calls. Prepare your self it is going to happen. K was barking at the refs during Senca like it was a FF game.
Duke is alot like us. We are built a lot alike. They have good guards and their post are weaker point of their team.
Our post players should eat them up. Jefferson and Plumee vs Skal, Lee, Poythress. Advantage UK.
Ingram and Allan do all the scoring. Kennard and Matt Jones sit around the arc waiting to shoot. Thornton looked pretty good. I think we match up with them good.
Hopefully Murray is on and Skal is aggressive in the post. They can not defend us down low. But I am afraid we get in foul trouble. Just expect it.

One last thing. Duke plays aggressive on defense and they play so HARD. It is fun to watch. Our guards have got to drive and punish them for playing so tight of defense. Duke also played some zone. Extended 2-3 and they trapped out of it.

 

[docholiday51]

Does anyone believe we might see a little more of Humphries during the Duke game? His size plus his consistency with that mid-range jumper might stretch the Duke interior defense. That would provide more space for Murray and company to use the dribble-drive.

Depending on who Duke has in the game,if Plumlee then yes otherwise Humphries might be too much of a defensive liability.Probably the people that saw the most minutes last night are who we are looking at for Duke.

Thought we might see a bit more of Mulder last night,but he is one of the odd men out right now.

 

[JerseyCat84]

Good stuff Bko

 

[anon_q409idbs5m40a]

And after the game we all got to hear about the remarkable 118 game non-conference home winning streak by Duke. Had to be an ESPN manufactured stat.

 

[blubo]

Does anyone believe we might see a little more of Humphries during the Duke game? His size plus his consistency with that mid-range jumper might stretch the Duke interior defense. That would provide more space for Murray and company to use the dribble-drive.

i think so especially if skal picks up an early foul, which i expect he will.

 

[n8lbs]

How stupid do you have to be to try to glean stats from glorified scrimmages?

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

How stupid do you have to be to try to glean stats from glorified scrimmages?

Not very, because stats can be gleaned from scrimmages. Maybe you meant conclusions, and if so, then maybe you shouldn't be throwing around the word stupid.

 

[Deli owl]

I wish we would have played one good guard team and one good inside team before duke

 

[n8lbs]

Not very, because stats can be gleaned from scrimmages. Maybe you meant conclusions, and if so, then maybe you shouldn't be throwing around the word stupid.

You speak in abstracts padawan.

 

[Blue Bigfoot]

How stupid do you have to be to try to glean stats from glorified scrimmages?

I don't know, how stupid? Enlighten us. We're using the only info. we have up to this point(2 games each), in order to get a better understanding of the matchup. That's all we have to work with towards discussion, which is the purpose of these boards. Nothing "stupid" about it, unless you simply disagree with the consensus, and can't muster a civil rebuttal.

 

[FlCATFan]

How stupid do you have to be to try to glean stats from glorified scrimmages?

No, stupid is being so needlessly negative and hostile on a forum that doesn't require either your participation or input. You might want to either mature some or stay away from such venues.