Looking at the numbers after Kentucky’s 73-67 quarterfinal win over Alabama, one trend pops out. After a string of holding opponents to under 1.0 points per possession, the Cats have now allowed their last four foes to top the 1.0 mark.
Tennessee averaged 1.056 in the Vols’ win over UK in Knoxville. Georgia averaged 1.052 against UK in Athens, even though John Calipari’s team beat the Bulldogs that night. Billy Donovan’s Gators averaged 1.016 last Sunday in Rupp. And Anthony Grant’s Crimson Tide averaged 1.016 yesterday, though in a losing effort.
One reason for the opponents’ rise in PPP is rebounding. Foes are getting way too many second shots. Kentucky outrebounded Tennessee by four, but Georgia (by 10), Florida (4) and Alabama (12) have all outrebounded the Cats. The Crimson Tide bashed Kentucky 45-33 on the glass on Friday.
Before this recent run, Kentucky had held 10 of its 13 opponents under a point per possession.
