Takeaways: Kentucky was able to come back from an early deficit to beat Texas A&M-Commerce 81-61

What can we take away from Kentucky's 81-61 win over Texas A&M-Commerce?

Author:
Andrew Stefaniak
Updated:
Nov 10, 2023 9:58 PM EST
Original:
Nov 10, 2023

In this story:

Kentucky was down double-digits to the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions in the first half, but a strong final ten minutes of the first half led to an eight-point halftime lead.

The Cats were able to win the game by 20 points in another ball game where the Cats shot better in the second half.

What can we take away from Kentucky's 81-61 win over the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions?

Kentucky is still limiting turnovers

Nov 6, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard D.J. Wagner (21) grabs the inbound pass during the first half against the New Mexico State Aggies at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports — © Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky only turned the ball over six times against the New Mexico State Aggies. This felt unsustainable with such a young team, but nevertheless, they cut that number in half against the Lions. The Cats only had three turnovers in this game. If they continue to limit the turnovers, the Cats have a real chance to beat the Kansas Jayhawks in Chicago.

Antonio Reeves has his first game big game of the year

Mar 17, 2023; Greensboro, NC, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Antonio Reeves (12) celebrates in the first half against the Providence Friars at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports — Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Antonio Reeves had a great game against Texas A&M-Commerce, leading the Cats with 21 points. He was 5-8 from beyond the three-point line, which is a great sign for what's to come this season. If Reeves shoots the ball like this against the #1 Jayhawks, Kentucky will be able to hang around in this ball game. Veterans need to show up in games like the one coming up on Tuesday, and Reeves needs to do that for the Cats to have a shot.

Will Adou Thiero be ready for Kansas?

Nov 6, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Adou Thiero (3) returns to the bench during the first half against the New Mexico State Aggies at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports — © Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Adou Thiero was out in this ball game with what the team listed as concussion protocol. The question now is, will he be ready to go against Kansas? If he can't play, it will be difficult for the Cats to have success down low and on the boards. Thiero, thanks to the added height and muscle, is a much better rebounder, and Kentucky will need it on Tuesday.

Getting punched in the mouth early will be a good thing

Kentucky s John Calipari coaches against Georgetown in Rupp Arena. Oct 27, 2023 — © Scott Utterback/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Cats were at a deficit early in this game as Texas A&M-Commerce started out hot, which Coach Calipari said in his post-game press conference he was happy with. This shows the team can fight some adversity and still come back and win after going down double-digits. This will serve the team well against the Kansas Jayhawks.