That game took about ten years off my life. But, in the end, it was all worth it because Kentucky got a huge win against a pretty good Texas Tech team tonight. A win that will be huge when it comes to seeding in March.
The Cats got off to a decent start, then the Red Raiders battled back to take the lead. It was back and forth for most of the first half before Immanuel Quickley nailed one from half-court to give the Cats the lead going to halftime. The second half was a lot more stressful.
Kentucky got a ten point lead early in the second half and that’s when I knew they were in trouble. Texas Tech slowly clawed their way back into the game and eventually tied it with just under three minutes left. Neither team could hit a shot, then a free throw from Nick Richards and Davide Moretti sent the game to OT.
Over-time was very, very chaotic. Kentucky got out to a 72-66 lead on a Nate Sestina three-pointer. Once again Texas Tech fought back and tied the game. They had a chance to win, missed a good look, and the refs called a foul on TJ Holyfield that sent Nick Richards to the line and won the game.
Let’s look at what went right and wrong in the game.
Nick Richards Abdul-Jabbar
Junior Nick Richards was a beast tonight and basically won the game for Kentucky. He had 25 points, 14 rebounds, and four blocks.
He’s the first Kentucky player since Anthony Davis to have that kind of stat line.
To address the call at the end that sent him to the line, I didn’t think there was a foul. I thought Kentucky was going to get a possession to win the game then I saw him at the free-throw line. I haven’t seen the play, but I don’t care. The refs screwed Kentucky the whole game.
Kentucky’s guards not named Immanuel Quickley were terrible
Ashton Hagans and Tyrese Maxey almost lost the game for Kentucky. They were 4-16 from the field, committed seven fouls, and committed nine turnovers.
Immanuel Quickley
Yes, Quickley had six turnovers, but he played great otherwise.
Quickley had 21 points, six rebounds, and four three’s. I think it’s safe to say that Nick Richards and Immanuel Quickley won Kentucky the game.
Only two guys in double figures and Kentucky still won
The only two players in double figures for Kentucky were Immanuel Quickley and Nick Richards who combined for 46 points. The other three in the lineup combined for 16 points.
Now, Kentucky won tonight with all but two players playing bad. You aren’t going to win many games playing like that, especially in March.
The Officials
Here we are. Once again.
The refs were total garbage tonight. I don’t know what else to say. They have been terrible all year and it was exceptionally bad tonight.
The Immanuel Quickley charge, moving screen on Sestina, back-court violation on Nick Richards, missed moving-screen on the Texas Tech player, and I don’t think that even names them all.
Kentucky got screwed in the 2015 Final Four and got screwed against North Carolina by an official I will not name in the Elite Eight in 2018.
Those are two horribly officiated games that Kentucky has been in. This year, it seems like every college basketball game, the refs are taking control and ruining the game. I don’t know what will happen, but somehow it has to stop.
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