UK 92 - Rider 63

I think many, including me were a bit worried about this game. Rider proved it can play by beating MSU on the road and UK's current troubles defending the three.

Rider coming off a slew of road games and quick turn arounds, looked a bit sluggish to me. But this was also UK's 3rd game in a week and we havent been playing much of our bench so fatigue could have been an issue for UK as well.

But in the end, talent wins. What else is there to say. John Wall is amazing. The kid has a non-stop motor and a gear few if any have. His body control and ability to finish with contact is special. How many teams run an alley oop play for a PG? 21 points, 11 assists....I think the SEC has its player of the week.

My friend was a bit concerned that Patterson doesn't look dominant out there. I laughed and said, thats a good thing. Pat's stats are still absurd, he is just blending into this team. It's easy to dominate when you are the only star on the team. But when you have 5 or 6, everyone just blends in together. 18 points and 19 rebs, another double double for Patterson.

Big props to Orton. A guy who has been lost in the shuffle a bit had a break out game. Cousins going to the bench with 17 minutes left, Orton came in and was a big factor. He showcased some strength around the rim and a nice jump shot at the foul line. 14 points and 6 rebs....better games are on the way. How scary is that?

Cousins picked up two fouls early. The first he was left in a tough position as he had to defend the basket as Rider broke the press. Then 2nd he picked up on a 3 point shooter. It was stupid to foul the shooter, but my feeling is that he shouldnt have to help and recover to charge out on him to begin with. The 2nd half saw a better effort. I don't mind him playing nasty and mixing it up a bit. Gives UK a mean side. We have they guys on the team to keep him in check. In just 15 minutes he scored 18 points and 6 rebs.

Bledsoe is still out of control but I can live with that for now. It is part of him growing as a player. I would rather see him attack and push the action then be timid. Looks like he is our secret weapon from the outside. Another nice day shooting the 3. I wonder if his ankle is bothering him though. He doesn't look comfortable out there. Nice 11 point performance.

Miller had a typical Miller performance. He was a bit more aggressive which is good, he is just going to be a role player on this team. And he really is the glue that keeps this team together.

I know coach likes Harrs and he obviously knows more then me. But every time Harris is on the court bad things happen. I personally think his defense is over rated. I see him get beat a lot and on offense he either makes a turnover or causes one to happen.

Hood looks like a freshman. Its going to take a while for him. But he does look comfortable out there.

Liggins and Dodson issue. Let's be honest here....the longer these guys sit and don't see action, it will grow as a distraction. If these two guys can get on the page Cal wants them on they can be pretty good contributors for us.

All in all....I'm happy about the win. Can't read too much into it because I don't think Rider was at its best. But that doesn't matter now. What matters now is Cleveland St next week!!!