Following their first loss of the season on Tuesday, Kentucky rebounded, literally, by cruising past a Vanderbilt team that was previously unbeaten in SEC play. After being out-hustled, out-maneuvered and out-coached against South Carolina, the ‘Cats entered Saturday afternoon’s contest with renewed focus.

After being outrebounded by an undersized South Carolina team, Kentucky dominated the glass, 39-21. If they outrebound their opponent by 18 and connect on 12 shots from downtown, it is going to be tough for anyone in the country to beat them. Especially on their home floor.

On the offensive glass their numbers were even more impressive as they had 18 to Vandy’s 3. Even when the Commodores guarded, they couldn’t find ways to close out possessions.

For the second game in a row the story offensively for Kentucky was the play of DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins’ first two plays of the game where he scored by going baseline were a preview of what was to come the rest of the contest. Vanderbilt simply did not have an answer for Big Cuz underneath as he finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds, his 12th double-double of the season which is a UK freshman record.

Seriously, #15 in blue is making a case as the best big man in the country and if he continues to dominate games the way he is I believe he is a candidate to be the #1 pick in the NBA draft next year. I know it is already assumed that John Wall is guaranteed to be picked there, but this kid possesses skills that you don’t see 6’11″ guys possess.

With Vandy’s size underneath, the game plan was for Cousins to be physical and it was effective. He converted four of five and-one opportunities and consistently got to the line, shooting 9-of-13 from the stripe. He also got the Vandy bigs in foul trouble early, ultimately leading to a nonexistent night by A.J. Ogilvy.

As tough as he is with the basketball, he still shows signs of a lack of mental toughness. An elbow early and a technical in the middle of the second half remind you that no matter how talented Cousins is, he still struggles with losing his cool.

The technical was another example of Kentucky doing things that prevent them from putting their opponents away. Whether it be a technical, unforced turnovers, or whatever, this Kentucky teams still shows a lack of maturity when it comes to keeping their foot on the gas. John Calipari has harped on this all season long and besides the Arkansas game, they really haven’t done this against a quality opponent.

Darius Miller began the season as the starter at the 3-spot. He continued that roll again today but played only eight minutes. Both Darnell Dodson and Deandre Liggins have jumped in front of the former Mr. Basketball in the battle for minutes. With John Wall’s speed and Cousin’s ability underneath, the shot at the wing is going to be there over and over again. Dodson gives them a guy with the willingness to put up that shot with confidence. This afternoon he finished with 16 points, on 4-for-8 shooting from deep. He is not shy, sometimes to a fault, but if he can continue to do what he did today, it will make Kentucky a tough team to beat.

Liggins gives them a long defender who can defend multiple positions with tenacity. While still not a huge offensive threat, he has also developed into a guy who can get the ball at the wing and get into the lane and knock down open shots. He played 25 minutes tonight, scoring nine points and pulling down four boards. But, more impressively he did not commit one turnover. This coming from a guy who a year ago created more turnovers than the Pillsbury Doughboy.

I’m sure one of the focuses coming into today’s game was getting Patrick Patterson involved offensively. They did that, but it was in an unconventional way. Patterson shot 3-for-4 from deep en route to a 12 points and four rebound performance. I still think  you need more than that from your leader. The Wildcats are benefited more by Patterson’s play underneath than him prancing around the perimeter, which takes him away from the basket on rebounding opportunities. You have to expect that Cousins’ play is going to demand more double-teams and when he is, if you put Patterson on the opposite block you are looking at an easy dunk every time. Vanderbilt began doubling Cousins late and it led to one easy bucket by Patterson, but you need more.

John Wall was John Wall, finishing with 13 points, on 4-for-12 shooting, and nine assists. You didn’t get that highlight reel moment, but even with King LeBron in attendance you still saw a continued willingness to distribute the basketball.

Kentucky will now face Ole Miss on Tuesday night at Rupp Arena. Ole Miss will be playing on limited rest as their contest today with Arkansas was postponed to tomorrow due to significant snowfall. We’ll have the preview of the Rebels on Tuesday morning.