Theres no denying that the Kentucky basketball program has endured a rough week. Dropping a game to your biggest rival and also losing your starting point guard to injury wasnt the ideal position to be in prior to Thanksgiving dinner.
If youre a Kentucky fan, it was a joyous sight to see Eastern Illinois name on Friday nights slate. The Cats pounced on the out-matched Panthers early and never looked back en route to a 99-53 win.
A feel-good game, which is just what the doctor ordered. Despite no Jaland Lowe, UK was still able to control the pace while taking serious advantage of their overwhelming size advantage.
Kentucky dominated points in the paint (26-4) and rebounding (31-10) in the onslaught that was the first 20 minutes of play. The effortless execution was a nice palate cleanser after suffering a deflating loss to Louisville on Tuesday night.
The second half featured more of the same as it was an all-systems-go victory on Friday night in Rupp Arena. You always like to see your team destroy a bad opponent, and thats exactly what Kentucky did to Eastern Illinois. Mo Dioubate was a stand-out performer against the Panthers. Hed pour in 20 points and grab 11 rebounds while securing his first double-double as a Wildcat.
The difficulty level will be increased significantly on Tuesday night when Kentucky takes on #17 Michigan State inside Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Mo Dioubate continues to establish himself as UKs interior workhorse and pillar of strength in the paint. The Alabama transfer bullied the Eastern Illinois defense on Friday night on his way to a monster double-double. His final stats reflected 20 points on 8/9 shooting while grabbing 11 rebounds in just 22 minutes.
Dioubate playing the X-factor role will help Mark Popes squad in their quest to compete for an SEC Championship. Hes not a perfect player, but #23 brings his lunch pail to the office each day and puts frantic pressure on him.
You have to assume that Mo Dioubates contributions on Tuesday night against #17 Michigan State will play a pivotal role in the final score.