Three things we learned from Kentucky basketball's win over Missouri

What did we learn from Kentucky's win over Missouri?

Author:
Andrew Stefaniak
Publish date:
Jan 10, 2024 6:53 PM EST

In this story:

Kentucky improved to 2-0 in SEC play after taking down the Missouri Tigers in Rupp Arena 90-77 behind big games from Tre Mitchell and Rob Dillingham.

It was a game where the Cats did a lot well but also did a few silly things that kept this basketball game closer than it should have been.

What are three things we can learn from Kentucky's win over the Missouri Tigers?

Kentucky can win with Antonio Reeves struggling from deep

Kentucky s Antonio Reeves makes a slam dunk against Missouri in Rupp Arena Tuesday night. Jan. 9, 2024 — © Scott Utterback/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

In the Cat's 13-point win over Missouri, Antonio Reeves was 0-5 from deep and only scored 14 points, which is well below his average. Heading into the season, some were concerned that if Reeves disappeared, this team would lose, and they proved in this game that this wasn't the case. It's hard to say that scoring 14 points is disappearing, but Reeves didn't explode for a ton of points, but 20-point performances from Mitchell and Dillingham helped the Cats score near their average. Reeves doesn't have to go off for this team to win games.

The defense has to be better

Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari reacts from the sideline. The Florida men s basketball team hosted the Kentucky Wildcats at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O Connell Center in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, January 6, 2024 during the first half. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner] — © Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner / USA TODAY NETWORK

Missouri was getting whatever they wanted offensively in the first half and making some open shots. In the second half, they were still getting good shots, but they weren't falling. Kentucky's offense can't carry the defense all season long. If the defense doesn't get better and this team has a cold night, they will lose. This issue needs to be fixed so this scenario doesn't play out in March, leading to an early exit for the Cats.

Rob Dillingham doesn't need a ton of minutes to fill the stat sheet

Jan 9, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Rob Dillingham (0) reacts after being fouled during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports — © Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Due to some silly fouls, Rob Dillingham didn't get to play a ton of minutes in this game but found a way to fill up the stat sheet. In only 19 minutes on the floor, Dillingham scored 23 points. He is one of the best offensive players in all of college basketball and always finds an open look with his elite ball handling. Now, of course, Dillingham needs to not get himself in foul trouble, but he made the most out of limited minutes against Missouri.