It's been a long time since Kentucky and North Carolina faced off in a game where both teams were playing well and ranked in the top 25. And even though Kentucky is ranked higher and still undefeated, all I've heard about in the past couple of days is how well UNC looked against Michigan State the other night. We should all be well aware of the real chance that UNC comes into Rupp and wins the game. Of course, this is the first game that Kentucky will have no problem to get up for. We've only played one game against a major conference but that was against unranked Stanford in the Cancun Ball Room Blitz. Make no mistake about it, these next three games are the biggest three games yet, and it all starts on Saturday afternoon in what is sure to be a ultra-buzzing Rupp Arena.
So what do we need to do to win? Well, first of all, score more points than the other team. That would help. But lets be a little more specific (and serious)...
:: Cousins has to stay out of foul trouble. As good as Orton has been off the bench, we need to see Cousins on the floor early and often. He has proven that he can dominate a game when he's playing well, and we'll need that on Saturday.
:: John Wall needs to be John Wall and I'm pretty sure he will be. Still, its worth mentioning that Wall has to play within himself and let the shots and assists come in the flow of the action and not forced, which results in bad shot selection and turnovers. I think he'll be fine though.
:: Patrick Patterson needs to get touches as often as possible. He's going to score if he gets the ball down low and he's also shown he can step away from the basket and nail the jumper. The offense has to get him his touches, and let him do his thing.
:: Miller, Bledsoe and Dodson have to step up from behind the arc. We'll need a few three pointers, and so far, they're the only three that have provided them on a regular basis. Speaking of threes and UNC... remember this? (See video below)
:: We have to stay in front of the UNC offense, as they are super quick and athletic, which is why they looked so good against MSU the other night. None of the UK opponents so far this season can even compare to the talent and athletic ability the Tarheels have, and the Cats must dig in on the defensive end, especially guarding the three. If the likes of Miami and Sam Houston State can light up the Rupp Arena nets and compete with the Cats on their home floor, we should know that UNC is capable of doing that and more.
:: In closing, I look for the Cats to be "up" for this game, and I look for them to come out of the gates strong. However, I don't think we'll blow them out and I expect UNC to battle back and make the game close down the stretch. I predict the Cats win 85-79. What says you? Leave your predictions in the comments section below.
More later...
So what do we need to do to win? Well, first of all, score more points than the other team. That would help. But lets be a little more specific (and serious)...
:: Cousins has to stay out of foul trouble. As good as Orton has been off the bench, we need to see Cousins on the floor early and often. He has proven that he can dominate a game when he's playing well, and we'll need that on Saturday.
:: John Wall needs to be John Wall and I'm pretty sure he will be. Still, its worth mentioning that Wall has to play within himself and let the shots and assists come in the flow of the action and not forced, which results in bad shot selection and turnovers. I think he'll be fine though.
:: Patrick Patterson needs to get touches as often as possible. He's going to score if he gets the ball down low and he's also shown he can step away from the basket and nail the jumper. The offense has to get him his touches, and let him do his thing.
:: Miller, Bledsoe and Dodson have to step up from behind the arc. We'll need a few three pointers, and so far, they're the only three that have provided them on a regular basis. Speaking of threes and UNC... remember this? (See video below)
:: We have to stay in front of the UNC offense, as they are super quick and athletic, which is why they looked so good against MSU the other night. None of the UK opponents so far this season can even compare to the talent and athletic ability the Tarheels have, and the Cats must dig in on the defensive end, especially guarding the three. If the likes of Miami and Sam Houston State can light up the Rupp Arena nets and compete with the Cats on their home floor, we should know that UNC is capable of doing that and more.
:: In closing, I look for the Cats to be "up" for this game, and I look for them to come out of the gates strong. However, I don't think we'll blow them out and I expect UNC to battle back and make the game close down the stretch. I predict the Cats win 85-79. What says you? Leave your predictions in the comments section below.
More later...
I loved this. I loved everything about it. I remember that game, but I forgot how far away he was on that last 3. That was just fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI never getting tired of watching it.
ReplyDeleteNot a very good picture of Ashley, I hope she's there Saturday.
ReplyDeleteListened to her interview with Tom Leach... she has the flu, but will be there if she feels well enough...
ReplyDeleteMidge here-
ReplyDeleteThis game will be up and down all the way, both these teams like to run and gun. The tale of the tape will be which team makes more 3's. We have the athletic ability to match the tarheels, but if the three isn't falling were in trouble. We have to score at least 80 pts. to win; it'll be tough. But granted I predicted a undefeated season (maybe one loss), the Cats' will find a way to win on their home floor. The game will be tight throughout, though I believe the Cats will come out with guns'a blazn' grabbing a 9 or 10 pt. lead. But the Tarheels will keep it close, they may even take the lead at half, but in the end Kentucky will be victorious. My prediction:
Uk- 84 UNC- 80
I have no idea how this game will play out. I could see the Cats winning by double digits and I could see them losing by double digits. It's hard to guess.
ReplyDelete