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Instead of playing UCLA and having North Carolina take on Ohio State, the Wildcats are now set to play the Tar Heels today at 2pm EST.
It’s debatable as to whether or not Kentucky is taking on a better opponent, as UCLA has been play great during a five-game winning streak. KenPom actually has UCLA a few sports about UNC.
Either way, a win here is a big one, and Kentucky needs the quality victory as the season has kicked off to a horrible start.
The Cats defeated Morehead State to start the season. Losses to Richmond, Kansas, Georgia Tech and Notre Dame all started to pile up, and the team is now 1-4. It’s been a tough few games for a team full of inexperienced freshman.
Despite a 17-point loss to Georgia Tech, the bulk of UK’s defeats have been close with a combined four points separates the Wildcats between the Jayhawks and Fighting Irish. They’ll draw yet another difficult test on Saturday.
The Wildcats have been able to get some help from transfer Olivier Sarr, who has given some consistent support to a team that starts 3-4 freshman.
Shooting a team-high 56% from the field, Sarr has been a tremendous option, and he’ll have his hands full against the Tar Heels. The Tar Heels have the 6-11 Armando Bacot shooting over 75% from the field. Sarr must limit him.
With four players averaging over 11 or more points per game and none averaging more than 12, the Wildcats may have a problem handling the talent that’s at almost every position.
But, while it hasn’t looked like it, this Wildcats team is just as talented. Terrence Clarke, BJ Boston, Sarr, and Devin Askew must step up. This is a game the Wildcats must find a way to win.
The Wildcats have five more ranked games this season, and this will be a huge win if they manage to pull it off.
That said, do you think they can pull off the upset against the Roy Williams-led side?
Poll
Will the Wildcats hand North Carolina their third loss?
This poll is closed
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32%
Of course
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67%
The struggles continue
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