As the Cats are home and reveling in a mildly successful road trip in the Northeast, the Hall of Fame Tip Off proved educational for the Cats and the fans. Coach Cal referred to two of the games as, “mud wrestling games”. Tonight the Cats host Radford and plan to be on the defensive the entirety of the game. This Wildcat team will not be out defended. The Cats kept opponents at bay allowing 31.0 percent shooting. The season is still quite young, as are the players.
Possibly the biggest concern for the success of this season rests with the development of Marquis Teague as he comes into tonight’s game with 18 turnovers, although he does boast 11 assists. The Big Blue Nation must have patience. Davis, a huge asset in the defensive game played very well in exhibition games and feeds off the other players’ momentum. The scorers for UK are numerous. As fans saw in the games prior to and during the week long road trip, more than a couple players put up serious numbers. Five players average double figures thus far.
Beginning the season ranked No. 2, these young men had a lot to live up to. They play for Kentucky. The young team comes into Rupp tonight on a winning streak and this must continue as the face harder opponents and begin conference play. Miller will be instrumental in the success of this season. With 6 starters, Miller seemed shunned by the greatness of the freshmen. No more! Coach Cal knows he can turn to Miller to make things happen and bring the young guys together.
Radford averages 61.2 points per game and it will be interesting to see how this average stands up to the Cats’ defense. The 29.1 3FG percentage could present issues for the Highlanders as Davis will not allow the inside shots.
The young squad is still adjusting to life in college basketball, life in the SEC, and life at UK. Tip-off is at 7pm and will be televised on FS South.
