Kentucky in Trouble

Has the bubble burst?

From #24 in the nation and unbeaten in SEC play at the end of January to now having lost 7 of 10 games, the Kentucky Wildcats are in severe jeopardy of missing the NCAA tournament for the first time in 19 years.

The loss to Georgia, a team with an interim head coach and only two wins in SEC play, has forced the Kentucky Wildcats to put themselves in a position to be at the mercy of the NCAA selection committee in a short two weeks.

After the shocking Georgia loss coaches, players, and fans were at a loss for what had just happened. The Wildcats needed a win and simply came out flat, played uninspired and handed the Georgia Bulldog team the game.

After the game Billy Gillipie was seething commenting on his team’s inability to step up in adverse situations.

“I don't think they have shown a great deal of maturity of accepting a challenge. When things go well for them they are really good. I don't think we have been tough or mature enough”, said Gillispie. “We haven't accepted challenges personally or as a team very well.”

Georgia was a prime example of the team’s immaturity. When the Wildcats fell behind late in the fourth quarter there appeared to be players yelling at coaches, coaches yelling at players, and everyone pointing fingers at one another instead of working as a team to overcome the deficit.

The same incidence occurred during the three game losing streak earlier in the season, when following the Mississippi State loss, there were reports that there was an internal dissension of chairs flying, voices raising and a heavy dose of finger pointing.

The lack of control which Billy Gillispie has over this team looks to be more and more apparent in adverse situations.

None better example of the South Carolina loss, when following the Wednesday game, A.J Stewart apparently quit the team due to lack of play time.

Stewart then was readmitted to the team on Friday and for some unknown reason played meaningful minutes Saturday against #18 LSU and caused a costly foul at the end of the game to eventually lead to a Tiger victory.

The Wildcats inability to win games they should and lack of talent to compete against top-tier teams this year might be reason for the Wildcats to miss the NCAA tournament.

Kentucky has a limited amount of time to impress the selection committee. The season finale with the Florida Gators looks to be a game that, even a win might be meaningless, as the Gators have had the same struggles as the Cats late in the year.

LSU Clinches SEC TItle as they Claw Past Cats

Kentucky Falls Late

Maturity. Kentucky’s youth-ridden team appeared to be Coach Gillispie’s rationale for the team’s loss.

“We just aren’t a mature enough team to beat LSU”, said Coach Gillispie after the game.
After leading by as many as 8 mid way through the second half, Kentucky could not close the door on the now SEC Champion LSU Tigers.

Trailing by 8, LSU senior leader Marcus Thornton took over the game. In the first half, Kentucky kept LSU’s leader in check by holding him to just 2-for-10 shooting and a mere 4 points. But the second half, was much different for Thornton.

“I got in a groove in the second half and I didn't feel like I could miss," said Thornton, who led LSU with 23 points.

Late in the game, Kentucky freshman Darius Miller lifted the Wildcats to a 70-70 tie with just 20 ticks left in regulation. The crowd roaring with excitement, Kentucky felt the momentum shift their way.

Why would they not feel confident? The last time Kentucky was in a close game, they did what they needed to against the Florida Gators. Stopped the Gator offensive attack and gave the ball to their star player Jodie Meeks to hit a three and win the game.

But, LSU’s maturity helped the Tigers on their next offensive possession. The Bayou Bengals took the ball down the court heaved up a three point shot which landed in the basket. Rupp Arena went silent.

Kentucky now had lost to LSU in Lexington for the first time since 1989.
The Wildcats now fall double digit losses.

Mighty Big Blue Nation, has lost 6 of their last 8 will now be in serious trouble in making the NCAA tournament.

All those implications on winning the game and Kentucky simply lacked the maturity to come up with the victory.

Kentucky now has two games left in the regular season as well as the SEC tournament. The Cats RPI ranking heading into Saturday’s match-up was listed at 61, the tournament takes 65 teams. But as been noted, the selection committee looks at body of work and asks the question; “What have you done lately?” With that question the Cats will be bypassed by other teams with better resumes.

This loss hurts in so many ways but Kentucky must try to salvage the season in the remainder of the season if they have any hopes to make the tournament.