Yes, the Collin Chandler foul call was frustrating. Yes, it came at a pivotal moment. But if we’re being honest, that whistle isn’t why Kentucky walked out of Auburn with a 75-74 loss.
The game never should’ve been that close in the first place.
After a strong start, Kentucky collapsed in the second half, scoring just 35 points and shooting 11-for-30 from the field against an Auburn team that looked vulnerable. When you step back from the controversial call and actually examine the box score, the real issue becomes obvious.
This team still isn’t moving the ball well enough to win consistently.
The Assist-to-Turnover Problem
Against Georgia at Rupp Arena, Kentucky finished with 13 assists and 13 turnovers in a loss to a struggling Bulldogs squad. That was alarming.
Against Auburn, the numbers were nearly identical: 14 assists and 14 turnovers.
That 1:1 assist-to-turnover ratio simply isn’t good enough — especially against quality opponents.
Unless you have a true elite isolation scorer — someone who can consistently break down defenses and score at will — you can’t survive on stagnant offense and forced shots. Kentucky doesn’t have that type of player right now.
Otega Oweh is explosive attacking downhill, but he’ll also give you a couple of careless turnovers and tough shot attempts each game. Denzel Aberdeen can get hot from deep, but he’s more of a volume scorer than a consistent rim attacker. The rest of the roster largely depends on others to create their looks.
Right now, too many players are trying to create for themselves instead of for each other.
Mark Pope’s system is designed around spacing, ball movement, and rhythm. But this group keeps drifting into isolation basketball. That disconnect is what’s holding Kentucky back — not the officials.
If that trend continues, an 18-13 finish isn’t out of the question. And that would make Selection Sunday far more stressful than anyone in Big Blue Nation wants.
So What’s the Fix?
The answer likely starts with adjustments to the rotation.
It may be time to give Trent Noah more minutes. His shot hasn’t consistently fallen, and he gives up some ground defensively. But he moves the ball. He keeps the offense flowing. He plays with a willingness to make the extra pass — something this team desperately needs.
A lineup featuring:
Denzel Aberdeen
Collin Chandler
Otega Oweh
Trent Noah
Malachi Moreno
…could help restore rhythm and spacing.
From there, rotate in Jasper Johnson and Mo Dioubate at the guard and center spots. Bring Andrija Jelavic in for Chandler and slide Noah to the wing. Stagger Oweh and Aberdeen to maintain downhill pressure while keeping shooters around them.
That kind of setup keeps the floor spaced and encourages passing over pounding the air out of the ball. With Noah, Chandler, and Jelavic sharing the court, driving lanes open up for Oweh and Aberdeen. And the rebounding drop-off may not be drastic enough to outweigh the offensive benefits.
Kentucky doesn’t need hero ball. It needs connected basketball.
The regular season is winding down. The margin for error is shrinking. And the Wildcats head to South Carolina knowing time is not on their side.
Everyone can argue about the refs.
But if Kentucky wants to save its season, the real conversation has to start with the offense.
