Louisvillle vs Kentucky: 5 Things We Learned from This Top 5 Clash in Kentucky

The Bluegrass State took center stage in college basketball this weekend when the Kentucky Wildcats hosted the Louisville Cardinals.

The Saturday afternoon clash was revealing for both teams.

Even Jay-Z was in Lexington to watch this game; you know it's a big-time college basketball game when you get this type of star power out to watch courtside.

The Wildcats were victorious at Rupp Arena 69-62, and this is one of the most impressive victories of the year, as it came against a legit contender for the National Championship.

Here are the five things we learned from this game:

5. Terrance Jones made a mistake not coming out last year.

Terrance Jones' play has been subpar. He needs to mature, as his lack of explosiveness is getting exposed against elite competition.

Louisville has athletes on par with Kentucky, and Jones struggled today. He was 1-for-9 from the field, but he grabbed 11 rebounds.

However, that won't get him drafted in the Top 15.

Jones is averaging 10.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and shooting 35 percent from the field against Top 15 teams this season. He must pick it up for himself as well as for Kentucky moving forward.

4. Louisville plays with tremendous heart.

The Cardinals were down big in the first half. They battled back behind Russ Smith's 30 points and big-time efforts on defense from the likes of Peyton Siva. (Two examples of both are below.)

This was a difficult environment, and even in defeat, the Cardinals showed tournament-level resolve.

3. Kentucky needs better point guard play.

Kentucky won despite 20 turnovers. Senior Darius Miller had eight turnovers, and point guard Marquis Teague had four turnovers.

The Wildcats don't have a ball-handler who can settle the team.

This is a weakness that will be exposed in the tournament or before. Most of it is because they are so young, but that calming effect has to come from your point guard.

The Wildcats don't have a traditional one.

2. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is the Wildcats' best player.

MKG delivered a monster 24-point, 19-rebound performance in a huge game. He shot 7-for-16 from the field, and he was the best player on the floor all day. His hustle, energy and relentless pursuit of the ball keyed this victory.

1. As good as MKG is, Anthony Davis has the ability to be special.

Davis' length and athleticism are rare. He had another strong game, and he has been the Wildcats' most consistent player.

Davis is the top NBA prospect on a team full of them. Here he keys the fast break for a MKG finish at the other end.

Kentucky is best when they are in transition, and Davis starts them on the run more than any other player. Davis had 18 points, 10 rebounds, six blocks and three steals, despite foul trouble in the first half.