Pace and space is the offensive philosophy overtaking professional basketball. Mark Pope brought that philosophy and mindset to Kentucky. Even without his two starting point guards and best offensive big, the Cats still posted a big number against the best defense in college football.
When this offense is clicking, it is very difficult to stop.
Kentucky shot 50 percent (13-of-26) from two, 50 percent from three (12-of-24), and 66.7 percent (16-of-24) from the line in the 78-73 road win over No. 8 Tennessee. Ball security (20.6% turnover rate) was again an issue, but the Cats posted 1.24 points per possession against an elite defense thanks to its offensive structure and roster-building.
Offense has to win this team games, and that’s what happened at Thompson-Boling Arena.
Koby Brea led the team with 18 points on only five field goal attempts. Jaxson Robinson chipped in 17 points with four three-point field goals. Otega Oweh (14 points), Ansley Almonor (12 points) and Amari Williams (10 points) joined them in double figures. Williams was a game-high plus-20 on the floor.
Those strong offensive numbers were posted despite Kentucky not making a field goal in the final five-plus minutes of the second half. The defense did just enough to leave Knoxville with a win.
Tennessee scored 73 points in 64 possessions and got 11 three-point field goals. The only problem was that Rick Barnes‘ team needed 45 attempts from behind the arc to get there. Tennessee’s starting backcourt of Zakai Zeigler, Chaz Lanier, and Jordan Gainey combined to score 34 points on 12-of-41 (29.3%) shooting. That trio shot 6-of-29 (20.7%) from deep. That’s not going to be good enough to beat good offensive teams.
Tennessee ended the game up three (41-38) on the glass and that was highlighted 18 offensive rebounds that turned into 20 second chance points. Kentucky’s first shot defense was mostly good throughout the game, but once again in SEC play the Cats had issues finishing possessions on the defensive end. Things could’ve gotten ugly in Williams was in foul trouble. The five man gobbled up 59.9 percent of Kentucky’s defensive rebounds.
At the end of the day, basketball is a make or miss sport. Kentucky outshot Tennessee by a wide margin and that led to a double-digit dog winning outright on Rocky Top.
BOX SCORE: Kentucky vs. Tennessee
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