UKHomer43 gives us his rundown:

The BBL witnessed a team grow up tonight in Gainesville.

UK trailed 7-0 and arguably played their worst 10 minutes of the season on National TV in the first half. They missed multiple layups and turned the ball over inexplicably during much of the first 14 minutes of the game. Thankfully for UK, Eric Bledsoe chose to have a breakout and career game tonight going for 25 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists.

Bledsoe was a one man wrecking crew in the first half single handedly breaking UF’s press and driving to the goal for layups and finger rolls. He also made a huge three pointer from the left side of the arc to start UK’s first half run after they trailed for much of the first 13 minutes. The BBL believes that Bledsoe might be the second point guard taken in the NBA draft if he chooses to come out after this season. His upper body strength, ball handling, speed and athleticism are amazing. He is also learning to play much more under control.

What we didn’t know is that he is such a reliable spot up shooter from distance. Dick Vitale and Brad Nessler raved about him and truly had no idea he was this good. The BBL knew he was the first time we saw him catch the ball in the Blue White Scrimmage and explode baseline off of one foot trying to dunk over the entire team. The best thing about Eric is he is improving in almost every facet each time out.

UF was truly overmatched but do to some uncanny outside shooting from Tyus, Walker and Boynton, they were able to keep it close enough to make their final run and catch UK at 72-72 with 5 minutes left in the game. It was at this point, where John Calipari did his best coaching job of the season. He masterfully subbed Darnell Dodson in for Darius Miller on an inbounds play right before UK went to Patterson in the post who converted an and one. Patterson missed the ensuing free throw but Cousins grabbed the rebound and kicked the ball out to Dodson who hit a three. UK had a five point possession and lead and UF was toast.

John Wall played his normal game with some truly mesmerizing individual plays including an amazing block of a Boynton break away attempt late in the game. He finished with 19 points but was actually quite flustered by UF’s ultra quick diminutive guards.

Patrick Patterson was his normal solid self in the post finishing with 15 points and 7 rebounds. UK will continue to look to him to make a shot when their back is up against it. He delivered big time tonight. The BBL is still unsure about his “soft” play around the goal at times. We wish he would just jam the ball at every opportunity. Sometimes he tries finesse shots that end up being blocked by taller players.

DeMarcus Cousins looked horrible in the first half but used his size and huge body to clear out position in the second half and finish around the goal. He made one sensational spin move and dunked with his left hand that made Dickey V jump out of his seat.

Daniel Orton appeared lost on some offensive possessions but he might be the best defensive post presence in UK history. He had a 3 shot block sequence in the first half where he blocked Tyus, Werner and Walker on 3 consecutive shot attempts. Each block was better than the next. It was must see you tube TV. The guy is an absolute fly swatter. He has a good touch and just needs to learn how to control his body when on offense. He finished with 9 rebounds and 4 blocks in only 17 minutes. The sky is truly the limit for this young post man.

DeAndre Liggins was absolutely lost tonight. After playing so well in his last 4 games and earning the “6th man position” he appeared tentative and lacked confidence every time he touched the ball. Hopefully it was a one game aberration as he has looked great recently. Thankfully Cal realized this too and gave him only limited time.

Darrius Miller and Darnell Dodson saved the day for UK today on offense. Each player hit some crunch time threes that gave UK momentum and widened their lead. Miller appears to be an NBA player at times dribble penetrating, and converting long jumpers. Why he can’t do this consistently just frustrates the BBL and likely the rest of the Big Blue faithful. Dodson is just more minutes and upper body strength away from being an all SEC type player. The BBL looks for big things from each of these guys next year.

Perry and Ramon played only token minutes and it appears Calipari has shortened the rotation to 8 players:

Wall
Bledsoe/Dodson
Miller/Liggins
Patterson
Cousins/Orton

Looking at UK’s schedule over the next 10 games, we only see the potential for one slip up. Back to back games at Miss St and at Vandy on Feb 16th and Feb 20th could give UK some trouble. Miss St is the only team in the SEC that truly matches up with UK from a size and athletic perspective. Vandy because of their ability to convert the three, could present trouble for UK in Memorial Coliseum.

The BBL believes the future appears very bright for the Cats. Expect the media bandwagon to start to build steam soon.