#7 UK Hoops Vs. Bama : Game Preview- Time To Get Back On Track

Let's hope the third time is the charm.

UK (21-4, 10-2 SEC) travels to Tuscaloosa tonight to face the Crimson Tide and try to clinch at least a share of the SEC Reg. Season title. Considering the last two attempts at doing this were less than successful, let us assume that Matthew Mitchell has gotten his point across to the ladies taking the floor. UK has been handed back to back losses in the last two games by a rough and tumble LSU squad, and a demon-possessed Tennessee Lady Vols team that went off the deep end at UK's expense on Monday night.

Details after the jump...

There will be no Live Game Thread tonight as there is no TV coverage, so other than a recap I will have up late tonight, this will be it for this game. Everyone knew when they looked at UK's schedule that this road trip (three consecutive games against LSU, Tenn, and Bama) would be the true test for the women and so far they have come up short. And not just a little short, really short. The women started this week ranked inside the top 10, but after the back to back losses that is sure to drop in the 11-15 range, assuming that they can rally tonight and take care of business in the land of the plaid fedora.

Coach Matthew Mitchell, when asked about Alabama, stated;

“Well we are headed to a tough, tough game against Alabama. The first game we played against them we played a very good first 16 minutes or so, and then they took it to us pretty good for the remainder of the game. We have many examples of how tough they can be just with our own experience with them. They’ve been playing much better in the last few games. It’s a big test for us on the road, it’ll be an important game and a big game for us and we will be working hard this afternoon and this morning to finish our preparations and be as prepared as possible for a tough Alabama team. We’re looking forward to getting back on the court and playing what we know will be a tough game.”

Alabama (11-15, 1-11 SEC) enters Thursday’s game coming off a 46-51 loss to LSU at home. The Crimson Tide should not present a major challenge for UK, however after coming off two huge losses like that, the staff has to be concerned with how they will rebound and get themselves back into Top 10 form. When asked if there’s any concern about a loss of confidence Mitchell said …

“No, I don’t think we’re there. I don’t think they’re dreading going back on the road. I think they just want to go back and play and get back on the winning track, so I’m not concerned about that.”

If UK can take care of business tonight, they will be able to return to the friendly confines of Memorial Coliseum to face Vanderbilt and South Carolina before heading down to Starkville to finish the season on Feb. 26th knowing that at least a share of the SEC crown is in their pockets. UK Hoops will need to win tonight, and at least 1 more to take the title all alone, and possibly 2. The Wildcats have won seven in a row against Alabama, including three straight in Tuscaloosa.

Gameday Information

Kentucky at Alabama

Thurs., Feb. 16 - 7:30 p.m. ET

Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Coverage

Radio: UK IMG