The Kentucky Wildcats have been embarrassed by the Texas A&M Aggies on Friday evening within the SEC Match by a rating of 97-87.
The Cats bought off to a gradual begin as they went down 8-1 early. It didn’t get significantly better. Kentucky fought again repeatedly, however they only couldn’t seize the lead and hold it.
Everyone knows Kentucky’s not world-beaters defensively, however the Aggies simply couldn’t miss within the first half. The Aggies led 48-42 on the half.
After the break, it bought worse. Kentucky’s incapability to defend reared its ugly head, and the offense could not overcome it. The Cats suffered an embarrassing loss with what was primarily a house crowd in Nashville.
The NCAA Match is up subsequent for Kentucky. Right here’s what it’s worthwhile to know from the Cats’ newest SEC Match blunder.
Aggies can’t miss, or Cats can’t defend?
Texas A&M is a foul offensive crew. I imply, actually, actually unhealthy. Effectively, that is the second time the Cats have performed them and so they’ve regarded completely elite on the offensive finish.
A&M seemingly could not miss from deep. They’re an excellent offensive-rebounding crew, so when the photographs aren’t falling, they’re in a position to safe the ball anyway. Effectively, once they’re not lacking, it makes them that a lot harder to defend.
Possibly it’s a foul matchup? Or perhaps it’s only a signal of issues to come back? Guard play is so necessary come March, and whereas Kentucky’s guards are unbelievable, if they’ll’t cease opposing guards from scoring, it’s going to come back again to chunk them sooner somewhat than later.
I’ll say that regardless of Kentucky’s incapability to defend, they block photographs at a excessive fee. They’re prime 5 within the nation in blocks per recreation, and so they lived as much as that standing with a block get together tonight. Sadly, it didn’t finally matter as a result of they could not do the rest defensively.
Sheppard and Dillingham are Kentucky’s solely hope
Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham have been the one sources of life on Kentucky’s crew on this recreation. It will’ve been a blowout with out the 2 “bench” gamers. They mixed for 41 factors on 14/27 capturing. Antonio Reeves, with 13 on 4/7 capturing, was Kentucky’s solely different double-digit scorer.
In actuality, neither was overly spectacular, however they did all they may based mostly on what others produced round them. It wasn’t honest to both participant that a lot strain was placed on them when everybody else refused to supply.
Kentucky’s two greatest gamers proceed to come back off the bench, but they’re the Cats’ solely hope of creating a run. In all probability, the possibility of that run occurring might be low, however these two guys completely gas Kentucky.
The Cats proceed their porous SEC Match streak. Regardless of how enjoyable this crew has been, it does not seem it’ll make a distinction.
Let’s Cease the natty speak
Look, it was arduous to see this crew profitable all of it to start with. They’re simply too wildly inconsistent to win six video games, most of which might come towards groups higher than this Aggies crew.
However if you happen to wanted any extra proof…
As you prep for an additional nice day of hoops, keep in mind this as each league reaches or performs its semifinal spherical: For the reason that match expanded in 1985, no nationwide champion didn’t make it to at the least the semis of its convention match. For extra pickup strains, comply with me on X.
— David Worlock (@DavidWorlock) March 15, 2024
Ouch.