Game breakdown from UK’s win over LSU

Kentucky+guard%2C+DeAaron+Fox+dribbles+past+a+defender+during+the+game+against+LSU+at+Rupp+Arena+in+Lexington%2C+Ky.+on+Tuesday%2C+February+7%2C+2017.+Photo+by+Josh+Mott+%7C+Staff.

Kentucky guard, De’Aaron Fox dribbles past a defender during the game against LSU at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky. on Tuesday, February 7, 2017. Photo by Josh Mott | Staff.

Sadie Hobbs

No. 8 UK men’s basketball looked to redeem themselves Tuesday evening against an un-ranked and struggling LSU team after its loss to the Florida Gators on Saturday. And they did after a 92-85 win over the Tigers. The UK men’s basketball team needed a game like this that they knew they could use to build on.

There was confidence on the court that showed improvement overall as a team. And despite the predictions of the game’s outcome, the game was still a test for the Cats who improved in some areas but struggled in others.

Other notes from Tuesday’s game:

MVP: Wenyen Gabriel

Gabriel put on a show on both ends as he pulled down 7 rebounds before the end of the first half, and set a career-high in the first half alone with 16 points.

Gabriel continues to look stronger under the basket, which is crucial for the team that struggles defensively and on the glass. Gabriel had a quick 11 points for the Cats after scoring just five in the loss at Florida.

The freshman finished with a career-high 23 points and eight rebounds which is big for the Cats after the four-position has struggled as of late.

Trending Up: Rebounding

The Cats looked to recover after getting out rebounded 54-29 in the Florida game. Neither Bam Adebayo nor Wenyen Gabriel broke out of single digits in rebounding against the Gators, and struggled mightily. However, the Cats made a quick turnaround against the Tigers that was apparent in the first half.   

At the half the Cats were out rebounding the Tigers 24-15 which was a good response. The Cats ended the game with a 40 -26 advantage on the glass which was important for UK given their recent struggles rebounding.

Trending Down: Defense

Defense has continued to be an issue for the Cats and their past four games are proof. Florida shot 66.7 percent before the half while their three previous opponents were able to shoot over 50 percent. Again, the Cats allowed the Tigers to shoot 50 percent from the field.

While the Cats still struggle, there was improvement on the court. The players showed strength in defensive rebounding but there was also strong communication.

However, things got ugly for UK as the Cats let their 25-point lead slip to just seven late. The trimming of the deficit by the Tigers was due largely in part to 72 percent shooting from three in the second half as well as 62 percent from the floor overall.

The Cats played a little more inspired, but there are still defensive lapses. Growth in defense will determine the Cats outcomes in the SEC tournament and beyond.