Yesterday was in my opinion, one of the best games played in this in state rivalry. It had everything a basketball fan could ask for quality basketball, excellent coaching, and the excitement of a comeback from the underdog. I have heard complaints about the officiating from both fan bases, but I gotta say, I didn't have a problem with how the game was called. Sure there was some missed calls, but that's true for both sides. The one missed call that stuck out to me was the traveling call on Noel in the midst of the Cats' comeback that very well could have been Behanan's fifth foul. On the other hand, the other missed call was Peyton Siva's fifth foul when he was whistled for fouling Archie Goodwin on a three point shot. Both of those were horrible calls, but that is to be expected during the course of a game, just not in those type of pivotal moments. However, for the most part this was a very exciting game to watch despite the outcome.
We finally seen Kentucky come together and play as a team, something they have been struggling to accomplish. The first five minutes of the second half saw Kentucky revert back to the team that lost to Baylor, falling behind by 17. Then, John Calipari used a well known coaching strategy by earning a technical to motivate his team. It seemed to work as the Cats rallied a comeback that this team could not have managed two weeks ago. Cal coached one of his best games since being at Kentucky yesterday. He made some excellent substitution patterns, subbing Wiltjer in on offense, and out on defense, much like Cameron Mills used to be utilized. When Alex Poythress decided not to show up, much like he has done in every big game the Cats have had this year, Cal set him on the bench. Then there was his decision to start Willie Cauley-Stein (free throws aside), which paid off tremendously as Willie played his best game as a Cat.
There were some things that should give Cat fans hope going forward this season. Once again, the play of Ryan Harrow was impressive. He played thirty plus minutes without a turnover, against one of the best defensive teams in the country. He played against a top five point guard in Peyton Siva, and played him to a draw while scoring 17pts to go along with 5rbs, 2ast, and 2stls. The emergence of Ryan Harrow is just a example of the coaching ability of John Calipari, and the work and dedication of Ryan. Besides the continued improved play of Harrow, Cat fans should be relieved to see the type of effort, and hustle everyone showed yesterday aside from Poythress. This team went into the !Yum Center and nearly beat the number four team in the country. Everyone played their part. Noel was a huge factor down low, Wiltjer found his shooting stroke while sparking the comeback, and Mays played excellent defense. Archie Goodwin played more under control, but didn't really make an impact until the second half which saw him score 19pts to finish with 22. The only concern for the Cats has to be free throws. If you shoot 11-24 from the line, your not going to beat anyone especially the number four team in the country.
That leads me to my next point. Louisville fans have a lot to be concerned about. Pitino has his best team since his arrival in Louisville, and they are one of the favorites to win a National Championship. After watching the game yesterday, if I was a Louisville fan (thank GOD I'm not) I'd be a little worried. You're playing on your home floor, and you let an unranked (that's absurd) Kentucky team come in and nearly beat you. You had a 17 point lead, looking to run the Cats out of the building. Instead, you squander the lead while your veteran players were making freshman mistakes. I'm not taking anything away from Louisville. They are an excellent team, but when Kentucky comes in and you allow them too erase a 17 point lead tells me they have some work to do. I don't wanna hear the foul trouble argument. You had the home court advantage, Siva and Smith gamble on defense way too much and it ended up burning them. Here's something to think about. If Kentucky hadn't went 11-24 from the charity stripe, say they hit 17-24, you lose. I've said this once, I'll say it again. If Rick Pitino doesn't win a National Championship this year, he never will at Louisville. He has all the pieces for a championship team, but can he get them to perform like it.
In the end, the Cats lost and the Cards won. Both teams gave us an excellent game, and one that will go down as one of the best in the rivalry. It's going to be a great season for both, I just hope we get a rematch in March.
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