Kentucky caps off a 2-0 week with a 105-96 win over Georgia in Rupp Arena last night. The Cats put on a show for 33 minutes and Rupp Arena was treated to one of the coolest moments since Tayshaun Prince’s 5th three against UNC. Lets dive into it.
Big Z Was Freed
After months of waiting Kentucky Freshmen Zvonimir Ivisic was finally cleared to get on the court and he treated BBN to a show. The 7’2” freshmen ended up with 13 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 assists, and 2 steals. But it wasn’t just the stat line, it was the way he did it. He blocked a shot immediately after getting on the floor, had a behind the back assist, as well a barrage of threes all in about 5 minutes of game time.
Much will be made about what he brings to this already talented Kentucky team, but that stretch was what sports are all about it. In 10 years, we won’t remember Georgia scoring 61 points in the 2nd half. Just like we don’t remember the final score of that Kentucky/UNC game from December 2001. We will remember where we were when that final three fell for Z just like we remember Prince’s 5th three.
After all that kid has been through, he deserved a moment like that. I couldn’t be happier for him and the program really needed a moment like that.
DJ Was Sensational
Lost in the Big Z buzz is that DJ had a fantastic game. Georgia is a solid defensive team with length on the perimeter that should have been able to bother DJ. That did not happen. DJ knifed his way into the paint on just about every possession he was on the floor. He sliced and diced the Bulldogs for 18 points and 10 assists in just 29 minutes.
DJ has shouldered the load of running the team so other guys can shine in their roles which has caused certain segments of BBN to forget how important he is. Worth reminding that Kentucky’s worst offensive performance of the season came with DJ not being available. He is the straw that stirs the drink.
The Last 7 Minutes
Feel like we have to address it but the last 7 minutes where Kentucky completely shut down on both ends of the floor. To go along with that we had some “weird” officiating decisions (spread was 13.5 for those interested in such theories) with Georgia finishing with 35 FTA for the game. Personally, I don’t put much stock in any of it. Kentucky was up 28 points when the momentum shifted and while I’d prefer Kentucky stay engaged for a full 40 minutes, it was an emotional night and it happens. Kentucky was never in any real danger in garbage time.
What Does It Mean
Kentucky kept pace with the SEC contenders and avoided a Quad 3 loss. Can’t say the same thing for Duke and Kansas who both took bad losses yesterday. Most importantly, Kentucky looked to get an important piece for the stretch run. This team has gobs of talent and is still waiting on a 6’7” wing to get healthy. If they can get to full strength, they will have the ability to play a variety of styles while still being able to put up points 85+ points. There are very few teams in recent CBB history who can say that.
Kentucky is back on the road this week but for now we’ll enjoy the win. Special shout-out to the Rupp To No Good podcast guys who were responsible for the Free Big Z billboard that went up earlier this week. Check out their show if you get a chance.
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