Feb. 4
Kentucky is for real, baby!

Playing against Florida, the nation's new No. 1 team, the Wildcats put on a show at Rupp Arena on Tuesday night in a 70-55 victory.

In the first half, Kentucky gave the best defensive performance I've seen in a long time. The 'Cats take such great pride in their defense, clogging up the passing lanes and contesting every shot and pass. The Wildcats did a super job defending on the perimeter, not allowing good looks.

I really feel you will see the 'Cats in New Orleans at the Final Four.

This Kentucky team has everything a national-championship contender needs. Remember, come NCAA Tournament time, defense becomes so important and the half-court game so prominent. I really feel you will see the 'Cats competing in New Orleans at the Final Four.

Their defense was stifling and suffocating. Holding Florida to 25 points in the first 24-plus minutes was impressive. Remember, the Gators have been the top scoring team in the SEC the past three seasons.

When coach Tubby Smith's team lost to Louisville, the heat was on in the state of Kentucky. The talk shows, the media, you name it. But the Wildcats simply rolled up their sleeves and got to work. I have said all along that Mr. Smith has to be ranked among the top five coaches in America.

Kentucky has so many ways to beat you. Keith Bogans, Gerald Fitch and company can beat you from long range or in transition. Marquis Estill, Chuck Hayes and company can pound inside.

Bogans is playing with such confidence. The DeMatha High School product made the right decision by staying in school all four years instead of going to the pros early and becoming a basketball vagabond.

His ability to hit the 3-pointer opens things up inside. Bogans is a different player compared to the past two seasons.

Being at home was another plus for the 'Cats. What an atmosphere -- the environment was like the Final Four. Kentucky plays off the electricity of its home crowd, and that is something special.

The Wildcats play as a team. You can see the chemistry is there, and that is so important.

For Florida, the effort was not there, and coach Billy Donovan had to be embarrassed. I did not see the intensity I expected from the Gators. They looked like they felt sorry for themselves. Kentucky dominated on both ends of the court. But Donovan has a lot of pride, and his team will bounce back.

It was an A+ performance by the Wildcats.