Sometimes, the best measure of a team is whether or not they’re able to beat quality opponents without playing their best. For John Calipari and his Kentucky Wildcats, Saturday’s win over Louisville was just that.
With Skal Labissiere once again proving to be ineffective and fellow freshman Jamal Murray lacking any resemblance of efficiency, it was Tyler Ulis who stepped up for UK and made the winning plays necessary to escape a furious second half rally from Diamond Lee and the Cardinals.
Ulis finished with 21 points, eight assists, and just one turnover.
UK’s Veterans Will Lead The Way
For all of the hype that all of Calipari’s freshmen classes get, including this one, it is so often that it’s the veterans that make a difference in key moments. Dominique Hawkins put forth the best effort of his career on Saturday, tallying 13 points off of just four shots. Marcus Lee had eight points and seven rebounds. But it was Alex Poythress who, along with Ulis, ultimately made the biggest difference. Poythress finished with 14 points, six rebounds, and three blocks. Kentucky needs these guys going forward if they want to challenge for a Final Four.
Lee, Lewis Need Help
Be careful looking at UL’s box score outside of Lee and Trey Lewis (both transfers), because it isn’t pretty. Quentin Snider put up a donut, while Raymond Spalding and company gave Rick Pitino nothing as well.
The only bright spot here is the play of Donovan Mitchell, who took the fight to UK on both ends. He ended up with eight points and six rebounds, but was extremely active all over the floor, giving a bit of hope to UL fans waiting for their supporting cast to get it together.
