The Southeastern Conference opener was a learning experience for Kentucky on Saturday.
The No. 10 Wildcats prevailed with a 106-100 win over sixth-ranked Florida, but came up short in several categories, especially in the rebounding department. Florida held a 38-30 edge on the glass, an area of concern going into Tuesday’s contest at Georgia.
“We learned that we’ve got to get a lot more physical,” said Kentucky coach Mark Pope. “We learned that it’s going to be like a life or death fight on the boards every single night.”
After surrendering 100 points, the Kentucky coach said the Wildcats will have to explore different defensive schemes against various opponents. Pope praised his team’s ability to make defensive adjustments against the Gators despite giving up triple figures.
“We learned that we are going to have to be really creative changing the way that we guard throughout the game — which our guys, our players were unbelievable in receiving adjustments during the course of the game,” Pope said.
Most importantly, Pope said, the Wildcats are having fun on the court.
“We are learning how fun this is,” he said. “I think that’s the overwhelming thing for us is we only get to do this 17 more times. We just can’t waste a minute, man. I hope BBN doesn’t miss a second of it. It’s going to be great times and hard times and they are all going to be growing times and that’s why it’s so fun to play in this league.”
CARR IN HIGH GEAR
Kentucky is 3-0 this season against AP top-10 opponents and forward Andrew Carr has had a big hand in all three (Duke, Gonzaga and Florida).
Carr scored 50 points in those three games and averaged 16.6 points per game to set the tone for the Wildcats on the offensive side of the ball. He scored 19 against Gonzaga and hit a clutch 3-pointer down the stretch in the win over the Gators.
“It changes everything for us, just to have another guy that's able to step up and take those kind of shots, especially somebody like him that he's able to do inside and outside,” Kentucky guard Koby Brea said. "I think it's just another part of his game that he has to continue to show.”
BREA BRINGS IT
Brea doesn’t mind coming off the bench and just wants to to provide a boost when he’s called on by his coach. Brea scored a career-high 23 points and buried seven 3-pointers in the win over the Gators.
“I see myself honestly as a sparker — like somebody that you put in the game and you just know you're going to get a spark,” Brea said. “it's not always offensively shooting the ball or anything, but I feel like I'm always going to make a play to help my team.”
Pope added Brea’s play against Florida, on both ends of the floor, was a difference-maker for the Wildcats.
“He has also grown immensely on the defensive end.,” Pope said. “He’s also like the most beautiful kid you are ever going to meet, man. He’s special.”
NEXT GAME: Kentucky at Georgia, 7 p.m., Tuesday. TV/Radio: SECN, UK Radio Network.
Andrew Carr lets go of a crucial 3-point shot in Kentucky's win over Florida on Saturday. Carr has been instrumental in each of the Cats' victories over AP top 10 opponents with a 16.6 scoring average in those games. (Photo by Les Nicholson)
