Rewatching the Duke game and...

[BlueCat43]

...I came away with one thought. If we rebound defensively and finish just a few very easy opportunities that we had, this game very well could have been a 30 point beatdown like KU last year. We won by 11 and it wasn't that close. Take away half of the points off offensive rebounds that Duke got in the first half (about 10 makes it a 21 point win). Then finish half of some bunnies or easy opportunities that we had (probably another 8-10 points for a 29-31 point win). Amazing!

 

[BBUK]

...I came away with one thought. If we rebound defensively and finish just a few very easy opportunities that we had, this game very well could have been a 30 point beatdown like KU last year. We won by 11 and it wasn't that close. Take away half of the points off offensive rebounds that Duke got in the first half (about 10 makes it a 21 point win). Then finish half of some bunnies or easy opportunities that we had (probably another 8-10 points for a 29-31 point win). Amazing!

I made that statement near the end of the game. UK won that game by near 30 points without the distractions and interruptions. I don't blame the missed bunnies as you state on UK players. The touch fouls called against UK had already taken their toll. UK destroyed Duke, I mean they literally destroyed Duke.

 

[Taiza]

If they hit their free throws, the game could have been a lot more interesting IMO.

 

[BBUK]

If they hit their free throws, the game could have been a lot more interesting IMO.

Not sure I understand? Are you talking about if UK hit's their FT or Duke hit's their's? You do realize UK outshot Duke at the freethrow line by 2 tenth's of a percent and I think UK had 18 attempts to Duke's 23.....Just checking...

 

[hartfoundation08]

Alex needs to finish with authority when he is around the basket!!!!!!!!! that would have helped some

 

[Taiza]

Just from recollection, I remember them missing free throws in situations that could have swung momentum. It felt like the referees tried to keep them in the game but they just couldn't take advantage. I'm probably way off base though.

 

[blubo]

also we couldn't stop plumbob early on. he scored their first nine points.

 

[BBUK]

Just from recollection, I remember them missing free throws in situations that could have swung momentum. It felt like the referees tried to keep them in the game but they just couldn't take advantage. I'm probably way off base though.

Good enough BUT the boys were gasping for breath. Tends to lessen the FT percentages...

 

[BBUK]

also we couldn't stop plumbob early on. he scored their first nine points.

The dude caught a lightening bolt. Even the announcers said that was the best he ever played in his college career....

 

[buckkiller]

Refs did try keep them into game fouling out a couple players with 5 minutes left.

 

[uk78]

This was a great game. But, it was a very early season game. If we face Duke again at the end of the season, it will be different. Duke had no transition defense where Kentucky scored a lot of their offense. K certainly will correct that. But, what I saw was a reversal of a Kentucky challenge from the past. This time Duke guards couldn't keep our guards in front of them. Plus, other than Plumlee, they really had no other impressive big. Cal will work on Skal's rebounding and defense, along with other rebounding issues. Also, Kentucky missed some outside shots that these players are capable of hitting. It is hard to criticize anything in such a tremendous win and great feeling in beating Duke, but I was disappointed with Willis. He really looked outclassed and I hope he was just nervous and overcomes that.

 

[struggler]

Duke would attempt to learn from this game 1 and not make the same mistakes... like any Duke team if they get hot shooting 3's, they are hard to beat, but a couple of glaring differences from last season... No Okafor - no one to go to on the inside when you need one - or need a foul called on the opponents big. Okafor got literally automatic whistles. Also - no Tyus Jones. Tyus was a typical head snapping/leg flailing Duke guard, but he was also talented, poised and clutch. He won them that championship. Amile Jefferson and Grayson Allen are not going to be come close to duplicating this no matter how hard they work in season. Justice Winslow, while a jersey grabbing dirty player, was their X factor that could score and bring energy. I'm not big into making predictions, It's too volatile, but I am very comfortable saying this Duke team isn't close to last year's. Unless some of the freshmen step up in a way we did not see, I just don't see other teams fearing what we saw Tuesday night. (I acknowledge Refs can make a huge difference at any time they wish to insert themselves...)

 

[wcc31]

This was a great game. But, it was a very early season game. If we face Duke again at the end of the season, it will be different. Duke had no transition defense where Kentucky scored a lot of their offense. K certainly will correct that. But, what I saw was a reversal of a Kentucky challenge from the past. This time Duke guards couldn't keep our guards in front of them. Plus, other than Plumlee, they really had no other impressive big. Cal will work on Skal's rebounding and defense, along with other rebounding issues. Also, Kentucky missed some outside shots that these players are capable of hitting. It is hard to criticize anything in such a tremendous win and great feeling in beating Duke, but I was disappointed with Willis. He really looked outclassed and I hope he was just nervous and overcomes that.

How do you know it would be different? Coach K's been past the S16 3x in 11 years- including some truly embarrassing losses. People forget that. This Duke team is much more like the 9 non-title teams in this stretch.

 

[Smashcat]

Duke will get better but we will get much better.

 

[n8lbs]

...I came away with one thought. If we rebound defensively and finish just a few very easy opportunities that we had, this game very well could have been a 30 point beatdown like KU last year. We won by 11 and it wasn't that close. Take away half of the points off offensive rebounds that Duke got in the first half (about 10 makes it a 21 point win). Then finish half of some bunnies or easy opportunities that we had (probably another 8-10 points for a 29-31 point win). Amazing!

That sounds good, but it completely ignores how awful our freshmen and sophomore played.

 

[Teachable Moe]

Plus, other than Plumlee, they really had no other impressive big.

You're kidding. Or should be. Amile Jefferson scored 16 on 7-8 shooting, grabbed 15 rebounds, and played great defense. 2 fouls.

 

[n8lbs]

Amile will be our most consistent player all year. He played like a senior. He is Duke's Dennis Rodman (it tickles me every time someone says he wormed his way to a rebound).

 

[5iveStarRecruit]

Yup.

A healthy Poythress changes a lot of that. Guy is obviously not at full strength yet. Once he is, he's collecting more loose balls + finishing at the rim w/ slams, rather than bricking layups.

 

[UKBrassowTipIN]

That sounds good, but it completely ignores how awful our freshmen and sophomore played.

Our fresh and sophomore played awful?..what game did you watch...or are you a duke fan? Surely you jest if you think ulis, briscoe, Murray played bad..and even as much as Humphries has to go on a learning development curve..he contributed..HE'S only 17!

 

[n8lbs]

I'm a Dukie.

 

[jrm693]

The dude caught a lightening bolt. Even the announcers said that was the best he ever played in his college career....

Not trying to correct you but I caught on that statement from Bilas as well I believe he said this is the best game in Plumes career at any level....

 

[UKhoopCat]

I'm a Dukie.

Accepting that you have a problem is the first step to recovery.

 

[Rockford]

I seem to recall that all points count. Offensive rebounds as well as a banked in three.

 

[BlueCat43]

That sounds good, but it completely ignores how awful our freshmen and sophomore played.

Fact is, our team didn't play to their potential either. Ulis played well as did Briscoe, Lee, and Humphries. However, Murray looked out of sync much of the game, Skal didn't play almost a third of the game, Poythress played tentatively, and others whom we expect to contribute (WIllis and Matthews) were almost non existent.

Can you honestly say that our November A game vs yours that we are not clearly better right now?

 

[n8lbs]

The game on Tuesday clearly proved that Kentucky is much better than Duke is right now. Duke has a long ways to go if they want to contend for a championship, whereas Kentucky just needs to have a normal organic growth to contend for a national championship.

 

[rabidcatfan]

I agree. If we don't miss the chip shots , dont let Plumlee the XVII score at will, actually attack the glass in the first half, and Skal/Lee don't foul out, then we win the game by 25 minimum.

 

[kentucky_wildcat_#1]

You're kidding. Or should be. Amile Jefferson scored 16 on 7-8 shooting, grabbed 15 rebounds, and played great defense. 2 fouls.

Don't get me wrong, Amile Jefferson is a talented player. Some of his stats were garbage baskets near the end of the game when the outcome wasn't in question and the game was over so our guys on the floor were playing like they were just trying to run out the clock. Jefferson will be your best big all year long and put up some nice stats. He's not a guy that i would worry about beating my team in the post, but when you look at the boxscore at the end of the game, his stats will be pretty good.

 

[n8lbs]

Amile is the best role player in college, and role players won't beat a team like Kentucky by themselves.

 

[Teachable Moe]

Don't get me wrong, Amile Jefferson is a talented player. Some of his stats were garbage baskets near the end of the game when the outcome wasn't in question and the game was over so our guys on the floor were playing like they were just trying to run out the clock. Jefferson will be your best big all year long and put up some nice stats. He's not a guy that i would worry about beating my team in the post, but when you look at the boxscore at the end of the game, his stats will be pretty good.

Not mine. I'm a UK fan. I was simply pointing out that he'd played a fantastic game.

I don't think your position about the value of this or that contribution makes any sense. A point is a point is a point. And, regardless, Jefferson appears to be the most talented and polished Duke player.

 

[ccukuk]

...I came away with one thought. If we rebound defensively and finish just a few very easy opportunities that we had, this game very well could have been a 30 point beatdown like KU last year. We won by 11 and it wasn't that close. Take away half of the points off offensive rebounds that Duke got in the first half (about 10 makes it a 21 point win). Then finish half of some bunnies or easy opportunities that we had (probably another 8-10 points for a 29-31 point win). Amazing!

First, oh I guess ten minutes and plumbob time; take that away and it's a blowout.