[WideRight05]

Game Ball: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Played like full grown man, 17 points, 11 rebounds....plus he held Harrison Barnes to just 14 points on 12 shot attempts.

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Good Thoughts:

Doron Lamb had a great game, 14 points, shot 50% (including 2 very clutch 3's towards the end of the game.) Did have team high 4 turnovers, but he made up for it.

Darius Miller had a solid game, stepped up when was needed down the stretch.

Terrence Jones did well on defense, 14 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals & 3 blocks. However, one fault I think he took far too many perimeter shots, but he made a few so thats ok.

Anthony Davis...he saved the game, plain and simple.

Eloy Vargas, only played 6 minutes but he played very tough with Tyler Zeller during that time refusing Zeller to post up on him, he ripped down 2 rebounds, if he played starter minutes he'd have double digits.

Kyle Wiltjer played well, was very quick to come aid in double team situations and at least cause one turnover. Plus, had a critical basket towards the end the lefty scoop shot.

Marquis Teague, had just 4 assists but only 1 turnover which was good. I think he took some pretty bad shots out there tho, but overall had a good game.

Defensive Intensity.

Poise of this young team, especially with the huge atmosphere.

Transition Defense, really hampered North Carolina's fast break offense, they didn't get many easy baskets this day.

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Not So Good Thoughts:

I didn't like some of the match-ups, like putting Davis on Zeller...Zeller pushed him around like a ragdoll at times. They put Jones on Henson, several times Henson shot over Jones. I would have reversed roles there.

3 point shooting, many impatient shots and alot of wrong people taking many of those 3's.

3 point defense, North Carolina shot the 3 at will.

Our 3 point shooting defense has to improve quick. We have given people wide open looks all year. Someone would make us pay eventually, and sure enough UNC buried several. We gave Portland a ton of wide open looks, as well as Samford, who couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. Teams are getting way too many open looks, and our guys need to do a better job of getting a hand in somebody's face. But, I am sure Calipari will address this! I trust in Cal!