Kentucky-North Carolina was supposed to be the toughest ticket of the season at Rupp Arena, but Christmas may come a little late for the scalpers as the Wildcats prepare to square off with rival Louisville, marking the first time that both teams come into the game ranked in the nation’s top five.
It’s a different kind of challenge than the one the Wildcats met against the Tar Heels. Carolina could match Kentucky in overall talent, but did not offer a contrasting style of play the way Louisville will. The Cardinals will surely try to make this a physical game in an effort to get Kentucky off its game. And UofL has the ability to play more zone than Kentucky has seen since that struggle against Old Dominion.
But the Cards cannot take away all of Kentucky’s options. To beat Kentucky, you have to give up some things and hope you don’t get beat by them. And I’m guessing Louisville’s main goal will be limiting Kentucky’s baskets in transition. And since Rick Pitino spent so much time recruiting—unsuccessfully—Marquis Teague, the Cards’ coach knows his game well and it’s likely the Cardinals will try to do some things to get inside the freshman point guard’s head.
Teague has come a long way in the last couple of weeks, starting with that second half at Indiana, and if he plays well in this game, you have to like Kentucky’s chances.
One of the major points of emphasis for Kentucky will be defending three-point shooters. Calipari has continually harped on his team about giving up too many corner threes and that’s where the Cards’ Kyle Kuric does his most damage. Kentucky was outscored at the three-point line by seven baskets against both UNC and Indiana. If that happens again, this game will likely be decided in the final minute, as those two were.
You can follow Tom’s daily coverage of the Cats at www.tomleach.com and listen to his “Leach Report” radio show on WLAP, AM-630 from 9:05-10am each Monday-Friday.
–Tom Leach
