Well, it wasn't pretty folks but a win is a win. Kentucky shot out to an 11-2 lead (largest lead of the game for either team) and looked to be on it's way to an easy first round game. But the smart guys from Princeton had a different ending in mind.
Some will try to tell you that Princeton played a great defensive game, and held us in check, but that simply was not the case. Kentucky actually shot 51% from the field for the game, but what did hurt Kentucky was Brandon Knight's lack of scoring. Today was the first time in 28 straight games that Knight failed to reach double figures scoring, ending the game with just two points. But those two points turned out to be huge, as he hit a runner in traffic with 2 seconds left on the clock to win the game 59-57. Simply put, if Knight scores his usual 17ppg we win this going away.
But here is some break down of the game for those of you fortunate enough not to witness it.
As I write this, Vandy is down 66-60 with 49 seconds left in the game.
Shockingly (sarcasm) Vandy lost to Richmond.
As I said before, Kentucky started the game well, going out to a 11-2 lead but things changed in a hurry. Suddenly it seemed there was a lid on the basket for the Cats, and the basket for Princeton looked as big as a wash tub. Princeton hit every awkward shot they put up (as most teams do against Kentucky) and played their game plan perfectly. Kentucky never really seemed to get into their offense, and at times looked lost on defense.
Darius Miller continued his improved play finishing with a game high 17 points on 6-11 shooting from the floor, and 2-6 from deep. Miller scored at will down low, and played solid defense. Along with Miller's improved play over the last couple of weeks, his confidence is at a all time high. Instead of being hesitant to shoot an open shot, Miller is now looking for his shot. That's a good sign for the Cats going into Saturday.
Josh Harrellson continued to show why he is THE MOST IMPROVED player in the country, scoring 15 points on 7-8 shooting form the floor, and grabbing 10 rebounds four of them coming on the offensive side of things. In my mind the most impressive stat for Big Jorts was the fact he recorded 4 steals in the game, and done it without picking up a single foul the whole game. Enough can't be said about the importance of Jorts to this team, and the toughness and heart he brings every game.
Terrence Jones' freshman slump continued today as he scored just 10 points ( I don't see how he got that many) and grabbed a measly 2 rebounds. Jones has got to give a better effort Saturday, or things will get ugly in a hurry. It wasn't just Jones that played poorly today, it was all three of the superstar freshman. Knight (last second shot aside) and Lamb played like FRESHMAN today. They never got into their offense, and made some decisions that was out of the ordinary for them. The two combined for only 8 points for the game, most of which was caused by poor shot selection. But mostly, it was just the case of not being able to get any shots to fall. I couldn't count how many times the team missed simple inside shots that just rolled off the front of the rim. One has to think that nerves played a small roll, plus over looking Princeton to their date Saturday with West Virginia.
One positive to take from this game is the fact, once again Kentucky proves it can win a grind it out style of game. They never looked scared, or never looked like they were playing not to lose. Instead, they stayed calm and executed down the stretch to get a hard fought win that shouldn't have even been a ballgame to start with. But that is the great thing about the NCAA tournament, every game can be your last.
Another positive during the course of the day, was the fact UofL got beat by Morehead.
Kentucky moves on to face West Virginia Saturday (time hasn't been announced as of yet) where Calipari is 1-7 all time against Bob Huggins. It's time for a little payback against WVU.
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