College Basketball Power 10: Louisville Cardinals Get Statement Win
By Jeremy Karll
8. Kentucky (10-2)
Just as everyone thought the Kentucky Wildcats figured it out, they followed an impressive win over North Carolina with a loss to Louisville.
The Cardinals are a top-10 caliber team and Kentucky was on the road, but it was the first time the Wildcats have been tested in a low-scoring game this season and they lost.
Kentucky’s first two ranked opponents — UCLA and North Carolina — scored 97 and 100 points, respectively. It plays into how Kentucky thrives the most. The Wildcats are probably the most athletic team in the nation and thrive on getting dunks and easy baskets in transition.
Sure, they got out in transition a few times, but for the most part, a stingy Louisville defense held them in check.
Malik Monk and De’Aaron Fox combined to shoot 13-of-32 from the field and 2-of-12 from three. Monk hit his only three with 11 seconds left to bring Kentucky within one point, but for the most part he had problems finding open looks all night.
Despite shooting 39.7 percent from the field and 22.7 percent from three, the Wildcats hung around. They never trailed by more than six and even led by four at one point.
In the end, the better defensive team won and Kentucky continues to wonder if a team full of freshmen can win a championship.
Kentucky can score as well as any team and throw highlight reel alley-oops, but ranking 183rd in the nation in points allowed per game is why many wonder if this team can win in close, physical games.
Kentucky travels to Ole Miss to start SEC play this week.