Takeaways: Sloppy play and poor shot selection leads to a Kentucky loss against UNC Wilmington

What can we take away from Kentucky's 80-73 loss to UNC Wilmington?

Andrew Stefaniak | Dec 2, 2023

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On a day full of excitement and anticipation, the Cats came out flat and paid the price with an ugly 80-73 loss to the UNC Wilmington Seahawks.

Kentucky was breaking in a new court, which they will have a 0-1 record on, and a long time until the Cats are back in Rupp to get a win on the new floor.

With the Wildcats not playing for a full week, the team will have an ugly taste in their mouth for days.

What can we take away from Kentucky's loss to the UNC Wilmington Seahawks?

The Cats played sloppy

Kentucky just played their worst game of the season, and it led to an 80-73 loss to UNCW. Kentucky has prided themselves on passing the basketball, not turning over the basketball, and taking smart shots. They didn't do those things, and it led to an ugly loss. This team will hopefully learn to make sure they value possessions and play smart, or a team like this can beat you. It's cliché, but all Kentucky can do now is learn a lesson from this loss.

Don't panic about Aaron Bradshaw

People might be quick to say adding the seven-footers into the lineup could hurt the flow this team has created. While this is a tough way to get Aaron Bradshaw mixed into the lineup, there is no reason to panic yet. Bradshaw is a true freshman and needs time to settle into the speed of college basketball. Coach Cal might have to tweak some things once all the big men are back, but you have to trust he will do that to make this team efficient. Don't panic, Big Blue Nation. This team is really good, and they will be okay. Bradshaw will be a massive part of this team.

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— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) December 2, 2023

Rob Dillingham struggled

Rob Dillingham struggled in this ball game, going 1-9 from the field and only scoring two points. I have a feeling that this will be the worst game of his Kentucky career. Dillingham is a really good player, and he is going to be okay. The freshman ball handler made a few silly mistakes, no question, but you just have to trust he will be much better next time out.

This loss hurts, but this team will look at tape, fix the issues, and get back on the floor angry against Penn next Saturday. This team is really good, and Big Blue Nation needs to trust this basketball team will be okay going forward.

What's next?

Kentucky will hit the road to face off with Penn next Saturday in what will be an interesting road test for Kentucky.

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Published Dec 2, 2023

ANDREW STEFANIAK