This meeting is the first of five straight games at Rupp, giving the Cats a chance to play in front of the Big Blue Nation. Going into Saturday’s game, the Cats are ranked No. 3, according to the latest AP Top 25 and ESPN/USA Today Coaches’ polls. Chattanooga is unranked at 3-7 for the season; 0-5 on the road. Kentucky still boasts an 8-1 record with the blemish of a 1 point loss to IU last Saturday; the Wildcats trail Syracuse (No. 1) and Ohio State (No. 2) in the polls.
The climb back to the top will be troublesome for the Cats, but this game will allow UK to steady their feet, and more importantly, improve player communication on the floor. Without question, Kentucky must not come into this game with their heads slumped over their recent loss. Jones, Lamb, and Miller must have their heads and feet in this game and not allow Chattanooga the opportunity to shoot outside. The freshmen need to work together, staying clear of fouls. The worst thing UK can do is get in foul trouble. Not only is the bench limited for Coach Cal, the Mocs of Chattanooga shoot free throws well at 68.8% for the season.
Chattanooga will enter this contest off a 50-point win over Spalding University and a bench a bit deeper than Kentucky, yet the known abilities of the Wildcats should propel the Cats to a win. Head Coach John Calipari will take his squad against the Mocs, under the direction of Head Coach John Shulman, Saturday evening at 8 pm (EST) in Lexington.
Photo: Courtesy of University of Kentucky Athletics
