We are both sad. I still have “hunger” for lost “games” by Kentucky.

My thoughts from the heavyweight bout today that was Louisville and Kentucky…

-Some people probably didn’t enjoy the game as much as they hoped.  I personally did.  People have to take in account they were watching the #1 and #2 teams in the nation in defensive efficiency.  Both are used to making the other team look sloppy and not fluid in their offense.

-It was neat watching two of the best minds in college basketball change tactics and adjust to the other.  One, of course, has a few less McDonald’s All Americans to work with.

-The fact that Louisville was in this game at all shooting a horrid 26% was amazing.  Tip of the hat to THEIR defense for keeping them within range.  Kentucky was just too big and hit a couple three’s down the stretch that served as daggers.

-I was very impressed with two early second half mini runs by Kentucky that Louisville weathered.

-I now officially believe that Kentucky can go undefeated.  It would have been a little more fun if LSU, Ole Miss, or Florida had quality teams like in past years.

-There HAS to be a penalty if the refs review an injury and find out the guy wasn’t touched.  I understand that you have to be tricky to win, but that flop by Chris Jones was just lame. There has to be a way to keep these kids in check.

-Yes, he had an off night and everyone does, but I don’t think Chris Jones is a PG that can take Louisville to a Final Four.

-I wasn’t aware that Jennifer Lawrence was a UL girl.  Why doesn’t someone make a movie with the rivalry, her, and Ashley Judd?

-Shot fakes worked well for Louisville in the first half.  I have no idea why they abandoned them in the second half.  I saw fake in the second half…and it drew a foul.

-I don’t remember EVER watching a game where a top flight team had ONE assist the WHOLE GAME.  That is amazing, and speaks loads on how frustrating it is playing against that Kentucky defense.  They made all the UL players go one on one with them.

-Sure, they are down to nine guys, but we all knew that platoon system was fun, but wouldn’t be used in games against solid teams and where things become more situational.

-Many times during the game, Kentucky had a front court on the floor running 6’10”, 7’0″, and 7’0″.

-It got them two points on one pass, and almost a steal on at least two more.  Kentucky guarded those inbound passes to the backcourt VERY well.  Good scouting.

-The entire time I watched Louisville on offense, I was hoping Russ Smith or Luke Hancock walked through the doors.

-One of the Harrison twins late in the game took a shot WAY too early in the shot clock.  When a timeout occurred, Calipari yelled at the wrong identical twin.

-Watching Kentucky get TWO offensive rebounds in the final minutes for THREE straight possessions when Louisville was not totally out of it was brutal.

-They are not on UK’s schedule before the tourney, but I think Duke and Wisconsin could beat UK.  “Could” is being used loosely in that sentence.

-Great game overall.  I will long blog tomorrow.  As one shepherd said to the other shepherd, I am getting the flock out of here.