Bunker Legend @DM8’s UK Game Analysis
That was ugly at times, but any win over UK is significant. Couldn't throw it into the ocean for long stretches, particularly early. We kept ourselves in the game by playing better defense than we have to this point most of the year and winning the rebounding battle. With the game on the line late, we still made some mistakers that hurt us, but managed to make enough plays to put them away. Impressive job by our young guys to find a way to win this one despite being ice cold shooting from deep for the second straight game.
That's 4 straight years with a W over UK for the first time in ages with a 5-4 record since 2015. One of Bruce's many remarkable achievements is putting us on equal footing with our blue blood rival. This is the kind of W that will pay dividends in recruiting as every prospect in the country was either tuned in or will be watching the highlights to see Sharife vs Boston. (who we held to season low 5 points)
Flanigan picked a great time to have his best game of his career. With most everyone else off their game, he had a career high 21 and just missed a double double with 9 boards. When he is being aggressive, he has the strength and athleticism to carry us like he did today. A physical game is perfect for him when he's attacking the basket and getting to the FT line. His 8/8 from the charity stripe was a huge key to victory with the rest of the team combining for only 7/13.
Cooper came back down to earth today, but was still good enough to give us a chance to win. 11 points and 8 assists pales in comparison to his first two games, but he also cut his TOs from 5 in each of the first two games to 3 today. If this is Cooper on an off day, I'll certainly take it. When UK cut the lead to 2 inside of 90 seconds, Sharife was unfazed and still had the confidence to throw this ridiculous oop from the 3 point line.
Cambridge appears to have turned a corner. After struggling at times earlier this year, he's got 3 straight games in double figures and shot the ball well today from 3. He is an incredibly valuable 6th man when playing like he has the last couple of weeks.
Tough 4 game stretch coming up @Ark, @USC, #17 Mizzou and @#2 Baylor. Getting back to .500 in conference play seems like an attainable goal that would make for a solid season, but this may not be the stretch where it happens. Ark is scuffling right now though so maybe we can pay them back with a win at Bud Walton to keep our momentum going. Getting Powell back would be a huge help. I can't wait to see what he can do with Cooper setting him up for open looks from deep.
That was ugly at times, but any win over UK is significant. Couldn't throw it into the ocean for long stretches, particularly early. We kept ourselves in the game by playing better defense than we have to this point most of the year and winning the rebounding battle. With the game on the line late, we still made some mistakers that hurt us, but managed to make enough plays to put them away. Impressive job by our young guys to find a way to win this one despite being ice cold shooting from deep for the second straight game.
That's 4 straight years with a W over UK for the first time in ages with a 5-4 record since 2015. One of Bruce's many remarkable achievements is putting us on equal footing with our blue blood rival. This is the kind of W that will pay dividends in recruiting as every prospect in the country was either tuned in or will be watching the highlights to see Sharife vs Boston. (who we held to season low 5 points)
Flanigan picked a great time to have his best game of his career. With most everyone else off their game, he had a career high 21 and just missed a double double with 9 boards. When he is being aggressive, he has the strength and athleticism to carry us like he did today. A physical game is perfect for him when he's attacking the basket and getting to the FT line. His 8/8 from the charity stripe was a huge key to victory with the rest of the team combining for only 7/13.
Cooper came back down to earth today, but was still good enough to give us a chance to win. 11 points and 8 assists pales in comparison to his first two games, but he also cut his TOs from 5 in each of the first two games to 3 today. If this is Cooper on an off day, I'll certainly take it. When UK cut the lead to 2 inside of 90 seconds, Sharife was unfazed and still had the confidence to throw this ridiculous oop from the 3 point line.
Cambridge appears to have turned a corner. After struggling at times earlier this year, he's got 3 straight games in double figures and shot the ball well today from 3. He is an incredibly valuable 6th man when playing like he has the last couple of weeks.
Tough 4 game stretch coming up @Ark, @USC, #17 Mizzou and @#2 Baylor. Getting back to .500 in conference play seems like an attainable goal that would make for a solid season, but this may not be the stretch where it happens. Ark is scuffling right now though so maybe we can pay them back with a win at Bud Walton to keep our momentum going. Getting Powell back would be a huge help. I can't wait to see what he can do with Cooper setting him up for open looks from deep.
