LEXINGTON– Kentucky basketball had played with fire defensively on several occasions this season. As of Saturday, the UK had already been involved in four high-octane affairs in which both teams scored 80 or more. THE Wild cats were 4-0 in those matchups.
Saturday, against equally powerful AlabamaKentucky was ultimately burned.
The Wildcats were unable to slow down the Crimson Tide’s offensive attack, losing 102-97 to Rupp Arena.
It was not only Kentucky’s first loss at home (11-1) for the season; it was the first time Marc Pape left on the wrong side of the scoreboard at Rupp since take over as coach of his alma mater.
Blame it on the UK’s defence.
The Wildcats (14-4, 3-2 SEC) gave up 47 points in the first half, heading into intermission trailing by two. The Crimson Tide (15-3, 4-1) was even better in the second half, putting 55 more on the board in the final 20 minutes. Before Grant Nelson provided the early pop, scoring 19 of his game-high 25 before halftime. His teammates came to his aid in the second half.
In total, five Alabama players finished with 10 points (or more): Nelson, guards Marc Sears (24), Labaron Philon (15), center Clifford Omoruyi (12) and Chris Youngblood (10).
Kentucky’s main concern that day wasn’t the outcome itself — if the NCAA Tournament started today, it would probably be a top-three seed – but the way it (and the other shootouts he’s had this season) has played out.
In March, it’s over. In the SEC Tournament. And the Great Dance. All it takes is one off night defensively in the NCAAs for the Wildcats’ season to end a lot sooner than they want, especially as they try to make deep runs in March, once again no longer the norm. three consecutive opening weekend releases.
UK now heads into its longest conference break. He did not speak again until January 25. That day, he went to Nashville to face Vanderbilt at 2:30 p.m. ET.
ESPN will carry national television from Memorial Gymnasium.
This story will be updated.
Contact Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at [email protected] and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
This article was originally published in the Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky vs. Alabama basketball: Mark Pope and the Cats fall at Rupp Arena
