Mintz's Late Three Completes Another Rupp Arena Comeback Over Vanderbilt

There’s something that changes in the air whenever Vanderbilt comes to Rupp Arena. The Commodores’ last win in Lexington was in 2007, yet Kentucky seems to always trail at halftime. This year was the fifth straight game UK was losing to Vanderbilt at the half, but thanks to Davion Mintz’s late-game heroics the Wildcats once again escaped with a 77-74 victory.

Kentucky has now won two consecutive games and is undefeated in the year 2021. It may just be Vandy, but any win is a much-needed win as John Calipari works to salvage a season that once looked lost.

Vanderbilt built its early lead behind the three-point line, knocking down eight from downtown in the first half, 10-of-27 on the night. Even though it was a reduced capacity crowd at Rupp Arena, for every big shot hit by Scotty Pippen Jr. (18 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists), the Wildcats responded. Once the second half started neither team led by more than five points in a game that featured nine ties and five lead changes.

Whistles played a role in keeping the game close in the second half. Rhythm was hard to find in between fouls and free throws. Once again, officials called more than one foul per minute, 45 total, with two players fouling out, Vanderbilt’s Dylan Disu (18 points, 10 rebounds) and Kentucky’s Olivier Sarr (24 points, 14-17 FT).

The game finally could breathe in the final minute. Tied at 74, John Calipari called a timeout to set up a play that was executed to perfection. Devin Askew drove right at Isaiah Jackson’s man, who did not notice the forward setting a back screen on Davion Mintz’s defender. Wide open in the corner, the Creighton transfer buried a three to give UK the lead.

On the ensuing possession Jackson grabbed a powerful rebound to buy the Wildcats’ more time. When Mintz’s runner fell short, Vanderbilt had one more shot to tie the game. When that shot missed, the Commodores secured the offensive board and got a shot off from the top of the key. The game-tying attempt softly bounced off the rim three times before it rolled off, giving the Wildcats a win.

No Drop Off for Allen

The pressure was on Pendleton County’s finest to prove that his seven-three performance at Mississippi State was no fluke. Even though he did not play great, he still was one of Kentucky’s better players on the floor.

Coming off the bench he made a pair of three-pointers, but could not connect from midrange, making just 4-of-10 shots from the field. Despite a so-so shooting night, he finished second on the team in scoring with 14 points. Calipari noted some of his lapses in defensive execution, yet no matter what, he fought, evident in a crucial play he made in the final two minutes. Off a missed Vanderbilt three Allen used one hand to grab the rebound, one of his five on the night. Allen could only use one hand because he was being fouled. He buried to free throws that followed to give UK a late two-point advantage.

Boston’s Struggles Continue

Things aren’t going well for Kentucky’s top-ranked recruit. Offensively, he still showed that he’s a weapon in transition by getting the ball up the court and finishing at the rim. In the half-court he does stuff like this:

pic.twitter.com/kbRmWZBlcB

— Big Blue Drew (@BigBlueDrew33) January 6, 2021

To make matters worse, he could not defend. At one point even a few boo birds were heard at Rupp. After the game Calipari said, “I don’t give up on any player. I believe in B.J.” If Boston can do some of the small things right, like Toppin, Calipari will let him play through this slump to reach a big breakthrough.

Toppin’s Little Things

Stats do not tell the story of Jacob Toppin’s exceptional performance. One quick glance at the box score will tell you that the sophomore forward was one of only two players with a negative plus-minus (-10). It will not tell you how Toppin gave Kentucky everything it needed down the stretch.

Coming off the bench to replace Boston with five minutes remaining, Toppin caught a lob from Askew to score in transition. On the following possession he stole a pass and the Cats were off and running for two more points. When Vanderbilt responded with a three, Toppin had another hard-fought bucket near the rim. He did it all while defending Pippen. Toppin did not shut out Vanderbilt’s star, but he slowed him down better than most could all night. You only see his six points and six rebounds in the box score. Those numbers pale in comparison to the fight Toppin brought to the court when Kentucky needed it most.

Unbalanced Vanderbilt Scoring

Four players scored 70 of Vanderbilt’s 74 points. Remarkable. Pippen, Disu and Jordan Wright each had 18 points, while Myles Stute contributed 16 for the Commodores. Luckily for Kentucky, Wright was the only one who didn’t finish with at least four fouls.

Where’s the Windex?

Kentucky won despite being thoroughly dominated on the glass. Entering the game Vanderbilt was the 11th-ranked team in the SEC in rebounding. The Commodores out-rebounded UK 42-29. Somehow the Commodores’ 13 offensive rebounds only turned into six second chance points. The minus-13 rebounding margin is the eighth worst in the Calipari era.

No Turnovers

Kentucky played 20 minutes of basketball without turning the ball over. I know, it’s hard to believe, but it’s true. The Wildcats committed ZERO turnovers in the first half. They gave the ball aways just twice all night, outscoring Vandy 12-4 in points off takeaways. It’s the fewest turnovers by a Kentucky basketball team since 1983. It’s a shocking, albeit wonderful development after the Wildcats started the New Year by giving teams on average 20 points per game off turnovers.

Block Party

While Vanderbilt scored from long-range, Kentucky gave up nothing easily near the rim. The Wildcats blocked nine shots, with Sarr, Jackson and Ware swatting two apiece. UK has now blocked 19 shots in the last two games.

Slowly, but Surely

Kentucky is moving in the right direction. It may be slower than molasses in January, but unlike in December, this month they are playing enough team basketball to win games.

When Vanderbilt was white hot from three-point land, instead of folding, Kentucky responded. When UK’s offense struggled, Calipari called for a lob on an inbounds play to get an easy two points. If players struggled, they sat on the bench. Calipari put his best on the floor to win the game, then drew up a game-winning three-point play.

It was not a perfect game. Vanderbilt had too many rebounds, too many wide open looks and still had a chance to take it into overtime. Kentucky has long way to go and a short time to get there. After tonight’s win, one can feel confident they will eventually reach that finish line.