When the horse bucks you, it's time to get back on and ride.
The Kentucky Wildcats climb back on the horse today versus the Vanderbilt Commodores. The 'Dores are coming off a huge win over the Tennessee Volunteers, and the 'Cats coming off a disappointing loss in Columbia versus the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Game particulars are as follows, courtesy of UKAthletics.com:
Date & Time | Sat., Jan 30, 4:00 p.m |
Coverage | TV: ESPN Radio: BBSN GameTracker Online Audio Live Video via ESPN360 |
Location | Rupp Arena Lexington, Ky. |
The Wildcats are in an uncomfortable spot for the first time this year -- they need this win, both for the SEC East race and to prove that they belong among the elite in the country.
More after the jump.
What UK needs to do to win:
- Defend the three very well.
- Dominate both sides of the glass.
- Get the ball to Patrick Patterson and DeMarcus Cousins in scoring position. That will help UK get the Vandy big people in foul trouble.
- Attack the Commodores on defense and force them into tough shots.
What Kentucky must avoid:
- Allowing Vanderbilt to get on top early
- Falling into the trap of believing that they can pull this one out. The Commodores are just too good.
- Allowing long rebounds and not fighting for every possession
- Playing with low energy. The 'Cats seem to thrive off emotion.
It seems strange to say it at 19-1, but Kentucky really needs this game. They need it for their confidence, for the confidence of the fans, and to prevent the unpleasant feeling of having yet another SEC team continue to have success against Kentucky even though we are much stronger now. That's hard on us all.
But I expect the 'Cats to play with a chip on their shoulder today, and I am really ready for this game. I hope the players are, too.
Go, 'CATS!