Photo by David Perry.
A five-spot from Kentucky’s 76-69 win over Florida Atlantic:
- Kentucky committed just seven turnovers, its lowest total since March 5, 2006 against Florida, a game in which the Cats lost, actually. Afterward, Billy Gillispie said he didn’t expect his team to turn it over that much against the Owls. FAU is not a team that puts a lot of pressure on the ball. But still, seven turnovers is pretty good for this Kentucky team. My figures showed the Cats averaged a turnover every 9.09 possessions, easily the best of the year. No Cat had more than one turnover.
- The mind games continue. Kevin Galloway and Perry Stevenson were both pulled from the starting lineup in favor of A.J. Stewart and Ramon Harris. Galloway ended up playing three minutes, none in the first half. He started the second half. Word is that several Cats were tossed from Friday’s practice, including Galloway. Apparently, Kyle Macy reported on TV that Galloway watched the second half of practice through the hallway door. Matt Pilgrim was also not around, as he usually is even though the transfer can’t play. Gillispie said afterward that Pilgrim is still on the team, as if there’s no problem.
- As Gillispie said afterward, Michael Porter is playing as well as he can possibly play right now. Over his last three games, the junior has 17 assists and just three turnovers. Plus, Billy G. complimented Porter’s defense on FAU’s Paul Graham III, who ended up with 31 points. Actually, I didn’t think UK’s defense on Graham was too bad. He just had a terrific game. But back to Porter. Good to see him playing well considering the grief he has taken — haven’t forgotten the boos in Indiana game when he was subbed out. Now, he just needs to hit a few shots.
- Wrote on Landon Slone for my post-game column. The former Paintsville star played a career-high 25 minutes, and contributed in many ways besides points. In fact, Slone scored just four points, two of those on free throws. But he hustled and as, Porter said, “was careful with the ball.” This is a walk-on who is going to be a factor. He had a great practice Friday which led Gillispie to stick Slone in the game in the first half, and he delievered.
- Compare this game to San Diego last year. UK came back after Christmas and lost 81-72 to USD last year. At the time, looked like a bad loss. (That was the Jodie Meeks available-he’s-not-available game.) Then San Diego went on to make the NCAA Tournament. Not saying Florida Atlantic is going to make the tournament. But the Owls are now 4-9, and clearly better than that. They will give some Sun Belt teams trouble. Mike Jarvis knows his way around the block. Graham played out of his mind. Carlos Monroe, in just his fourth game back, had nine rebounds. The seven-point winning margin doesn’t bother me. Good to get a win. Now on to Monday night and Central Michigan.
