Just when things seemed to be finally clicking for Kentucky after three straight wins against Mississippi State, Vanderbilt and Florida, the Cats drop one to Alabama inside Rupp Arena.
The Crimson Tide hadn't won in Lexington in fifteen years, and they did it in well fashion, as Kentucky suffered from their largest home loss of the Cal Era. From start to finish, Alabama never gave up the lead and ended up winning this one entirely, as the team completely reverted. "We reverted. Probably won't watch the tape on this one. Onto the next," said John Calipari in his postgame press conference.
Kentucky got out-performed in nearly every category, including the Field Goal percentage, three-point shooting, total turnovers, points in the paint, steals and assists. This is a very good Alabama team, who now owns the first place position in the Southeastern Conference, after beating Tennessee, Kentucky and Auburn all on the road, including Florida in Tuscaloosa, all in the last ten days.
Nothing stuck out to me from the offensive side from our guys, except Isaiah Jackson continuing to climb up the freshman blocks record at Kentucky with his 7 tonight. Sarr (6), Mintz (5) and Boston (5) were all held to single digit scoring performances. Keion Brooks, Isaiah Jackson and Devin Askew were the only Wildcats to reach double figures, as they combined for 36 of Kentucky's 65.
Beating Alabama tonight would've been a statement win, letting the country know this team has turned the show around after a tough start. Well, that's no longer the case and losing to Alabama won't be considered a bad loss by any means, but it now puts them at seven total losses on the season. Times running out if they want to even have a shot at making the NCAA Tournament.
The Wildcats are 4-7 and will play at Auburn this Saturday.