Kentucky throttles LSU, 81-55

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No. 3 Cats race past and power through Tigers in romp

By BEN LOVE
Tiger Rag Acting Editor

Kentucky proved its mettle today, refusing to overlook undermanned LSU and overcoming early cobwebs to paste the Tigers 81-55.

While it wasn’t always pretty (Kentucky trailed for the game’s first seven minutes), the Wildcats were convincing in this one. Freshman DeMarcus Cousins dominated on the inside, powering his way to a resounding double-double (19 points and 13 rebounds). He was joined by perimeter pals John Wall and Eric Bledsoe who also teamed up for a balanced scoring attack for UK.

“I told my team, ‘You can’t start games like that,’” Kentucky coach John Calipari said after the game. “It’s their Super Bowl.”

His team did exit the early funk and went on a 24-4 run in the final 8:48 of the first half to lead 42-14 at the half.

Coming out of the intermission, LSU picked up some steam on offense and began to somewhat stifle the Cats with their move to a 2-3 zone. This move - not one of Trent Johnson’s favorites - eventually got LSU to within 20 of the juggernauts on a couple of occasions.

But Kentucky would keep LSU at arm’s length on the strength of several run-outs and some deep jumpers from an unexpected source, Patrick Patterson. No matter what the score, Kentucky pushed the ball. Even on LSU makes, Wall took the inbounds an went warp-speed to the opposite three-point line. This tactic is something Calipari carried over from his Memphis days: Break first, try and get the easy look, if it’s not there, pull it back out and look for a post-up or dribble drive.

According to Tiger players in the post-game, however, the physical play took its toll more than the constant fast breaking.

“They guys on Kentucky’s team are absolute animals,” said Bo Spencer. “Cousins. Patterson. All of them are physical. All of them are big and wide. They’re hard to get around. I’m so impressed with Cousins because he’s just a freshman and he plays like he’s been playing on the collegiate level forever.”

LSU was led in scoring by Spencer, who connected for an inefficient 25 points. The  LSU guard hoisted 24 shots, making nine. He was only 2-for-12 from behind the arc.

Tasmin Mitchell chipped in 10 points and Storm Warren had seven. The rest of the Tigers combined for 13.

“Kentucky is a really good team. They’ve got everything they need,” remarked Mitchell. “They’re well-coached, and they play hard. I don’t see why they aren’t the No. 1 in the nation.”

Calipari returned the compliment to Mitchell and Coach Johnson in his post-game comments.

“I look at what Trent’s doing here undermanned. They had a chance to win every game I’ve seen,” continued Calipari. “I was sick when I watched Auburn. I don’t know how they lost. Taz Mitchell went for [38 points]. I watched the Tennessee game. They had Tennessee beat. …

“Here’s what kills me about you guys: This may be the best job he’s ever done coaching, but you look at records and say ‘Wow.’ I’m just telling you, to do the things he’s doing to keep them in games, they’ll start winning.”

They didn’t on this aftenoon, though, and LSU is still looking for its first win in SEC play.

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Ben Love is the lead hoops reporter for Tiger Rag. Reach him at ben@tigerrag.com.