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Welcome, ladies and gentlemen of the Big Blue Nation, to the twenty fourth game of the 2015 Kentucky college basketball season. Twenty three such contests have been held previous to this one, and Kentucky has prevailed in all of them. Tonight’s game is against the LSU Tigers, the second-best defensive basketball team in the SEC.
Tonight’s game can be thought of as part of the "revenge" tour, with Kentucky having lost this game last season to LSU in Baton Rouge convincingly.
Game Particulars
When: | Tuesday, Feb. 10th at 7:00 pm ET |
Where: | Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Baton Rouge, LA |
TV: | ESPN |
Radio: | UK Sports Network |
Internet: | Watch ESPN |
Live Audio: | Via CollegeSportsLive |
Other: | Live Stats |
Essentials for victory
Take care of the ball — After a 25% turnover game, this is job one tonight. If UK can take care of the basketball, LSU is likely to give them several extra possessions.
Rebounding — LSU hasn’t been particularly good on the glass this season, but that just means they’ve underperformed their talent. Kentucky must rebound well tonight, or the game will be close.
Transition defense — LSU is one of the best transition teams in the nation, and Kentucky must take care of transition defense.
Attack the rim — Despite their shot-blocking prowess, Kentucky has the size and strength to attack the rim and draw fouls. They’ve been doing that very effectively in SEC play.
Control the tempo — LSU loves to run, and Kentucky should slow them down and force them to run half-court offense, where Kentucky has an advantage.
This looks like a very tough game on paper. Let’s hope it isn’t.
Go, ‘Cats!