It sure as hell wasn’t pretty, was it?  The Crimson Tide’s frontline gave UK the what-for in the paint today, slowing the Anthony Davis Train almost to a halt and making UK earn every inch in the paint.   All that being said, the Wildcats earned another victory and that’s all that really matters. 

Some things I noticed:

Free throw shooting:  can we all “exit right” on believing this UK team shoots free throws well?  They weren’t abysmal and Andre Riddick’s ghost wasn’t haunting Rupp Arena today (at least I don’t think so).  As Tyrus noted, UK connected on 68% overall, but a concern going forward will be who’s on the floor in the final minutes of a close game.  Terrence Jones will get plenty of free throw attempts, but hitting only 6 of 12 won’t exactly give Coach Cal optimism to leave him on the floor. 

Free throwing shooting part deux:  UK went 8-8 in the final minute to finally put the game away.  Darius Miller stepped up and wanted the ball during crunch time, knocking his free throws down the way a senior should.  As Coach Cal noted in the postgame, this team has a will to win.

Anthony Grant:  the dude has a presence.  During the postgame press conference, his intensity and mannerisms came across as a coach that knows what the hell he wants and what he’s doing.  There’s a reason he’s one of the top young head coaches in college basketball.  I’m a believer.

Mony-Mony:  The Dancing Guy apparently took the day off.  That made me sad.

Trevor Lacey:  as UK fans, we have a tendency to tear a player down that UK recruited and didn’t sign.  Lacey is an exception.  The kid’s future is bright.  He would’ve looked great in Kentucky Blue. 

Coach Cal:  watching John Calipari on the sidelines should be an Olympic sport or a reality television show.   Stevie Wonder can see when he’s unhappy with a player.  There were a couple of times when I thought he’d literally throw Terrence Jones to the bench and heave Kyle Wiltjer onto the floor. 

Alabama:  I absolutely don’t want to play them again this season.  Had this game been in Tuscaloosa, I’m not sure UK would’ve come out on top.  If their offense catches up with their defense, the Crimson Tide can make some noise come March. 

As the saying goes, a win is a win, and that’s exactly what UK delivered.  Eat, drink, and be merry tonight.