Wildcat fans are still trying to digest Coach Cal's scheduling suggestions as one of three non-conference series may come to an end. With IU one of the three, and seemingly the front runner for the chopping block, this may be the last time UK and IU meet for some time. Wildcat fans are hoping all this scheduling talk will not side track the Cats as they focus on the trial at hand. Indiana goes into Saturday’s game against UK undefeated; one of the two will have a blemish on their record at the buzzer.
The Cats will have their hands full with the Hoosiers' shooting, 52.3% FG overall; while Kentucky hovers at 49.0%, according to the latest ESPN stats. The three point shot may very well decide the outcome for UK, on both ends of the court. Failure to block the 3 could sandbag UK as Indiana carries a 44.0% 3FG. Coach John Calipari addresses this issue in nearly every post game. UK, shooting 37.4% 3FG, need not go head to head with the 3; they need to choose their shots wisely.
UK’s primary obstacles in this game have names; starters 6’11” Freshman Cody Zeller (F) and 6’0” Junior Jordan Hulls (G) who see the most time on the court; 67.7%FG and 57.1% FG, respectively. Hulls is a danger with his 3 pointer; 53.6% 3FG on the season. 6’9” Junior Derek Elston is comparable to Darius Miller of UK, coming off the bench to score (50.2%FG), rebound (3.1%), and provide leadership.
Essentially, the Wildcats need scorers Miller, Lamb, and SEC player of the week Terrance Jones, while Davis, Kidd-Gilchrist, and Jones hit the offensive and defensive boards. The Kentucky defense must continue to block the easier inside shots. Against UNC, Kentucky started sloppy and came back to eek out the win. For a successful outcome, the Cats could use a cleaner start while their player communication continues to improve. All UK fans know Coach Cal will rarely uses his seat on the bench, so be prepared to see him ‘excitedly’ motivate his players.
