Kentucky - USC II - A Numbers Game

76 & 48

These two numbers are the main reason we lost to South Carolina. Plain and simple. What do these numbers represent? They represent the number of shots South Carolina and Kentucky attempted, respectively, in their first matchup. With a disparity such as this, you would think UK got smashed on the boards. Untrue, 38-33 in favor of the CATS. South Carolina did its damage, like most teams, on the offensive boards against UK. The Gamecocks had 18. Sam Muldrow (who?) had 8 alone, matching UK's total. If Perry, Pat and (whoever else) continue to leave their man and go after blocks, nothing will change.

21 & 10

These two numbers didn't help either. Representing the number of turnovers UK and USC had respectively. Eight of the ten players seeing action for UK had a turnover. Seven of those had at least two turnovers. If we can at least makes these two numbers closer, we will be OK. Most likely meaning, UK needs to force more, because we all know our number isn't coming down much.

3

This number has dual meaning. The first meaning is 3-pointers made. The Cocks made 7. We made 3. I don't see their number coming down at all, especially at home. Whether Porter or Miller helps Meeks, we have to have a good night beyond the arc.
The more important meaning for the number 3 is the loser will leave with 3 division losses. With as many as four teams vying for the SEC East crown, we need to start looking at tiebreakers. Division record being a very crucial tiebreaker. UK, USC & Tennessee all have two division losses. Florida has four. With 3 division games left, the CATS have a chance to set themselves up for an extra day of rest come SEC Tourney time.

GO CATS!

UK-USC boxscore (Jan 31, 2009)