Second-Half Steps a Reminder of UK’s Potential
Smiles came a little easier at Rupp Arena on Friday night.
A few made shots and fast-break opportunities tend to help on that front. More importantly, the Wildcats took a step forward as a team.
“I think they all showed some good signs,” John Calipari said.
No. 9/10 Kentucky (4-1) played its best half in two weeks in the second half of an 82-62 victory over Mount St. Mary’s (1-5). Locking in on pick-and-roll defense, making 5-of-10 3-point attempts and generally playing with improved energy, the Cats opened the second half with a 30-10 spurt and didn’t look back.
“It’s just getting to the point where everyone’s finding their role,” said Ashton Hagans, who had 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. “Just Cal dialing that in, everyone finding their role and we’re going to be that team. But now, like I said, everyone’s just trying to fit in, just trying to do what they can do to help this team out and we’re getting there.”
Making a big difference were the returns of Immanuel Quickley and EJ Montgomery, giving UK nine healthy scholarship players for the first time since a season-opening win over Michigan State. Quickley, who sat out Monday’s game with a chest injury, scored 13 points and made three 3-pointers. Montgomery made his return from an ankle injury that forced him to miss UK’s last three games.
“I’m going out there trying to help my team win, just doing all the things I can,” Montgomery said. “Rebound, play defense, just try to be that leader on the floor.”
Montgomery’s stat line – seven points and six rebounds in 15 minutes – might not have been overwhelming, but his impact was indeed significant.
“The guy that made the difference is EJ,” Calipari said. “You would have never known he was not playing for a while. I mean, not having him really affects us. Having him, when he’s playing, he’s a difference maker.
Also a difference maker was the season-high crowd of 20,351. Coach Cal recorded a video message that was sent to season ticket holders Friday morning to remind them of their importance to the continuing development of a young team. He echoed the message postgame.
“I want the fans to understand the part they play for these kids,” Calipari said. “When they walk in this arena, these fans are for them, even when they’re struggle, it’s a big deal to help me build this team up. You help me.”
With the back half of an eight-game home stand set to begin Sunday, the Cats will continue to need the Big Blue Nation in the coming four weeks. According to Coach Cal, they will also need to shore up their offensive rebounding.
Kentucky has rebounded only 28.1% of its own misses through five games, which is on pace to be the worst of any Calipari team at UK by nearly five percent. Needless to say, that area is of the highest priority to Coach Cal.
“We only get six offensive rebounds,” Calipari said. “C’mon. It’s not like we made every shot. We shot over 50%, but there’s still 25 rebounds and you get six. That’s not acceptable. It’s just not. I’m telling them, ‘Whoever in this room wants to play more, offensive rebound. I’m going to leave you in the game.’ “
Clearly, UK is far from a finished product. But the Cats aren’t supposed to be.
“We’re not a team yet,” Calipari said. “But today we made strides.”
