So "they" say that this is a must-win, that the Kentucky Wildcats cannot afford to lose at home to the Missouri Tigers and get into the NCAA Tournament.
What do "they" know, anyway? But a win here would be really, really big.
Game particulars as follows, courtesy of UKAthletics.com:
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| Gameday Information |
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| Kentucky vs. Missouri Weds., Feb. 20 - 8:00 p.m. ET Rupp Arena Lexington, Ky. Game Notes: UK  | MU |
| Coverage |
| Gameday Live: Online audio, blog and stats TV: ESPN Radio: UK IMG Text Updates |
To win tonight, the Wildcats need to:
Keep the Tigers off the offensive boards. Mizzou is a very good offensive rebounding team, and an excellent rebounding team overall. Kentucky must at least keep them under their average on the offensive glass.
Force Phil Pressey to shoot the ball. The more he shoots, the better chance we have. Not layups, mind you, but threes and tough floaters.
Attack the rim and get to the free throw line. I hesitate to say this, but it’s one reason Kentucky is tough. The problem is, they can easily overdo this and fly recklessly into the defense, drawing charges instead of fouls.
Be confident. When Kentucky is confident, they are good, particularly offensively.
Out-hustle the Tigers. When Kentucky wins the 50/50 balls, they usually win the game.
Take care of the basketball. When Kentucky does not turn it over, they are usually right there in the game.
Play the game. Kentucky often over-thinks basketball, and it works against them. Just play hard, make the easy pass, and they will have a chance.
Missouri is a better team on paper than this version of the Wildcats, and so despite what the line is, Kentucky is going to have to play a quality game to defeat Missouri. Forget that Mizzou has not won on the road mucn – right now, consider them due.
If Kentucky is up for this game and can keep their heads about them, they will win. If not, they will lose.
Go, ’Cats.