We are at our best in big games: by the numbers

[Aike]

I was looking over the BPI numbers on ESPN's site and something stood out to me.

We are 3-0 against the BPI top 50, with a staggering rating of 97.5 in those three games.

By comparison, number 1 UNC has an overall BPI of 90.8.

So let's dig a little deeper. VS. teams ranked 51-100, our BPI is a paltry 73.6.

I realize this isn't a huge sample size, but numbers back up what my eyes tell me. We get up for big games and come to play.

On the other hand, when we face teams that are a notch below us, they come to play and we don't.

At Kansas will tell me a lot. I think we come to play. I think we've gotten road game jitters out of the way enough to make that a good one.

By the way, our game Saturday against Vandy was our best all year according to BPI, with a rating over 99.

 

[Skutt]

 

[mj2k10]

This team clearly has focus issues at times. I realize the Duke game was waaaaay early, but I feel like that Duke team, with Amile Jefferson, would be borderline Top 10 at worst, and UK, once it stopped letting Plumlee #8 shoot layups off every missed shot, looked a lot, lot better than them. But the intensity level of that game has rarely been there since.

Kansas gives UK a chance to reestablish its identity, and give a good indication of whether UK is a team with big potential that needed to go through some growing pains, or whether UK is a team that can be good at times, but shrinks under adversity. UK doesn't have to win the game to make a statement, but they can't let Kansas just cruise to a win, either. If Kansas plays out like the LSU game, it will feel like a big setback.

 

[Jmeeks54thebest]

I do agree we play better against better competition. However being a road game to Lawrence is the part that worries me.

I believe we can win, but expect a close loss. Hope we see them on a "neutral" court in March because I think we win there for sure.

 

[Poetax]

This team clearly has focus issues at times. I realize the Duke game was waaaaay early, but I feel like that Duke team, with Amile Jefferson, would be borderline Top 10 at worst, and UK, once it stopped letting Plumlee #8 shoot layups off every missed shot, looked a lot, lot better than them. But the intensity level of that game has rarely been there since.

Kansas gives UK a chance to reestablish its identity, and give a good indication of whether UK is a team with big potential that needed to go through some growing pains, or whether UK is a team that can be good at times, but shrinks under adversity. UK doesn't have to win the game to make a statement, but they can't let Kansas just cruise to a win, either. If Kansas plays out like the LSU game, it will feel like a big setback.

If certain players get into foul trouble and foul out early, it could happen. We are just not deep enough to reload on the floor with the same talent level as in the past.

 

[mj2k10]

If certain players get into foul trouble and foul out early, it could happen. We are just not deep enough to reload on the floor with the same talent level as in the past.

That's part of what adversity is. Hopefully it doesn't happen, but if it does, respond by finding a way to stay in the game. If you can't, then you're likely not getting very far in March.

And I don't believe in the presumptive "refs are going to screw us" stuff.

 

[Poetax]

That's part of what adversity is. Hopefully it doesn't happen, but if it does, respond by finding a way to stay in the game. If you can't, then you're likely not getting very far in March.

And I don't believe in the presumptive "refs are going to screw us" stuff.

Anybody who's ever watched a basketball game in the last five years can see that officiating has gone to the dogs no matter what two teams are playing. They seem unable to be consistant with the new rules, early it's a foul calling fest, later in the year it's a blood bath, none of them know how to call a game consistently. I thought the Vandy game was a perfect example of how I consistant they can be. Plus are they smart enough to screw anyone on purpose, lol?

 

[Ukgold]

If we get down by 13 or more early its going to be a long game. Hopefully we can keep it in single digits. Around the 5 min mark of 2nd haft we get within 5. Tie it up with min 1 to go. Last 15 sec Willlis, Murray or Ulis hits a 3 to give us a win and our only lead of the night. UK 77 ku 76

 

[nookam]

I think Thomas Robinson's career took a turn to the worst after this devastating defeat. He has never recovered. 6 NBA teams and still searching for identity. He did bad mouth Anthony Davis so he had it coming. I wonder if he is impressed with AD now and agrees with # 1 pick. Think about it, had TRob been chosen first would have possibly been biggest bust in history.

 

[Mojocat]

Yep. Part of what makes Cal great, and partially explains the 22-4 NCAA record. I'm trying to remember a high profile game in his time here where we didn't show well, and none come to mind.

But this is a different animal. Most often a big game is going to be at a neutral site. This is going to be hostile in a way we've not seen in a long, long time. And it's the kind of experience you really don't want to try with a young team. Ulis, I'd bet money he'll show well. Not sure about anyone else.....

 

[musrat59]

I expect good games fro Ulis And Murray and hope the others come to play.

 

[EnglandWildcat]

I am happy we seem to have turned a corner. I'd feel ok about the game if we hadn't demolished them last year. They are going to give 1000% to avenge that beatdown. That paired with it being on their home court....I'm not expecting a win.

However, if we lose, I'd love to see them again in March on a neutral court, because I really think we are evenly matched (and if we play hard for 40 minutes I'd give us the edge on a neutral court).

That said, I'll still cheer my heart out on Saturday!!!