John Wall

89-77.  That’s 12 points, so HA!finalposts, I predicted an 81-69 score against the Gators last night.  That’s 12 points.  The  previousIt would be rude for me to gloat, but I’ve at least go to mention this.  If you notice in the 2

Seriously, lucky guess on the point difference, but lets take a glance at the stats that I pointed out as the “important stats” and see how the Cats stacked up.

1. Prior to the game UK scored 82.7 points per game 73.5 for Florida.  Florida had held opponents to 61.7 ppg to UK’s 64.5.  89-77 for UK and Florida respectively showing why I said that stat could be tossed out.  Basically I’m saying each team scored close to their average.
2. UK’s 3pt FG percentage was 39.8% to Florida’s 30.9%.  For the game, the Cats shot a sound 7-18 (38.9%) against UF’s 8-27 (29.6).  The two points in this outcome is that UK finally defended the three and that UF constantly kept chucking contested 3′s.  This is a game changing stat like I said before, and UK won it.
3. Rebounds.  UK going in the game averaged 41.7 rpg to UF’s 38.5.  UK had a +6 in this category 38-32 (11 of them Offensive Rebs.)  Second chance points changed the game, especially during the 5 point sequence when Patterson missed the FT and Cousins deflected the ball off of Chandler Parsons to give the ball back to UK.  Dodson then hit a three.
4. FT percentage.  UK’s percentage going in the game was 68.6% to UF’s 70.4%.  For the game, UK converted 10-13 (76.9%) to UF’s 17-20 (85%).  The Cats held serve in this area, showing their improvement, but Florida had 7 more opportunities and converted seven more free throws.  This game is likely not a contest during the last 10 minutes if you subtract those shots (by committing silly fouls). 

My basic summary is simple, points scored and rebounds (rebounding margin) all held the line, against the averages, when compared to Florida before the game.    The winning areas were converting free throws and hitting (but not shooting a lot) of three’s, while also playing torrid defense against the three. 

Outside the stats, they executed against the zone MUCH better.  Cousins, Wall, Patterson, and obviously Bledsoe all scored double figures, notably Bledsoe’s 25 on a Jodie Meeks like shooting night of 10-13 (3-4 3pt).  Those four are playing very well together. 

However, I have to give a shout out to Daniel Orton, who must have given 3 Florida players a permanent Nike Swoosh tattoo on their foreheads from blocking the ball in their faces.  He was credited for 4 blocks in the game, but it felt like 15.  Great performance. 

Once again, we watched the team slide from the lead, and just like every other time (in a very hostile environment) made the plays when needed.

17-0, best start since Rupp’s Runts, and improving on all levels (only 10 turnovers).  It’s a great time to be a Wildcat fan!