The Border War continues today when the #1 Kentucky Wildcats invade historic Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana to take on the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers. Game particulars as follows, courtesy of UUKAthletics.com:
| Kentucky @ Indiana |
|---|
| Kentucky vs. Indiana Sat., Dec. 10 - 5:15 p.m. ET Bloomington, Ind. Assembly Hall Game Notes: UK  | IU |
| Coverage |
| TV: ESPN Radio: UK IMG Live video via ESPN3  Live Audio Text Updates |
The Hoosiers are unusually excited about this particular game because Indiana has played so well this year, and they are totally stoked for this game, much as Kentucky was for the visit last week by the North Carolina Tar Heels. For IU, this game represents a return to the big time if they manage to pull off the upset, even though the Big Ten schedule this year may take a toll that even an upset of Kentucky won't cure.
For Kentucky, they have had a week to prepare, which is really fortunate considering the intensity of the North Carolina game. Had UK played IU earlier this week, it would have been a major trap game. As it is, John Calipari has had plenty of time to get the young Wildcats' heads back into the game.
Keys to this game for Kentucky are:
- Run the floor whenever possible. The Hoosiers, particularly their bigs, cannot run with UK. That means if they start sending guards to the offensive glass, many dunks could result.
- Keep the ball out of Jordan Hulls' hands. Hulls is a really dangerous shooter, and he does a good job of getting the offense going with his passing and savvy play.
- Attack Cody Zeller wherever we can, and try to foul him out. The Hoosiers need Zeller to be competitive.
- Defend. The Hoosiers have not seen a defense like this.
- Take care of the basketball. IU has been an okay team handling the ball, but they do turn it over.
- Keep cool. The crowd is going to be insane. Ignore them, play basketball, and everything will work out.
This is Kentucky's first true road test, and it will tell us a lot about the maturity of these young players. This Hoosier team is very good, especially their starting five, and will challenge Kentucky early and could be there late if the Wildcats don't bring their "A" game to Bloomington.
Go, 'Cats!