Scott Clark
Nov 15, 2023 - 07:15

Kentucky basketball plays with poise but needs to learn how to finish vs. Kansas - Brown

Kentucky played well but struggled to close out the game, losing to Kansas. Young players need to learn to finish.

The No. 16 Kentucky Wildcats played a strong game against No. 1 Kansas in the Champions Classic matchup at the United Center in Chicago. However, despite their poise and strong performance for most of the game, the Wildcats ultimately fell short, losing 89-84. The game highlighted the challenge that young teams often face in learning how to close out a game.

The Wildcats jumped to a 14-point lead in the second half, but they seemed to lose their momentum and were unable to maintain their advantage. They struggled to counter the surge made by the experienced Kansas team, ultimately resulting in a loss for Kentucky.

Despite the disappointing outcome, there were positive signs from the Wildcats' performance, particularly in the early stages of the game. They showed resilience and determination, particularly through the contributions of young players like Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham. Sheppard's calm and composed play, as well as Dillingham's impressive scoring, provided a much-needed boost for the team.

Kentucky's ability to adapt and remain unfazed by poor shooting performances from some of their key players was also a noteworthy aspect of their performance. The team's ball movement and ability to take care of the ball were commendable, despite the challenges they faced.

The loss to Kansas serves as a learning opportunity for the Wildcats, particularly in understanding how to finish games effectively. While the defeat was disappointing, there are clear areas of strength and potential for growth that coach John Calipari can build upon as the team continues to develop.

Overall, the game against Kansas showcased the Wildcats' potential and resilience, despite the ultimate outcome. It is evident that there are valuable lessons to be learned from this experience, and the team will undoubtedly use this as motivation to continue improving and refining their performance in future games.