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Ole Miss and Auburn are certain to current robust challenges for a struggling defensive staff.
On Saturday, the Kentucky Wildcats squandered one other alternative for a top quality win by falling on their residence courtroom to Gonzaga, 89-85.
The loss was UK’s third in a row at residence, the primary time that’s occurred since 1966. So it goes with out saying that it is a huge week for Kentucky Basketball.
Are the wheels off or does John Calipari simply want his staff to get wholesome sufficient in time for a tweak?
With two robust SEC opponents arising, I consider we’ll be taught rather a lot about precisely what’s going on with the Cats.
First up will likely be a matchup with Chris Beard and the 18-5 Ole Miss Rebels who’ve confirmed to be spectacular all season lengthy.
Kentucky and Ole Miss will tip off on ESPN Tuesday evening within the 9 PM slot.
Matthew Murrell is their catalyst on offense and might actually rating the basketball. The senior is presently averaging 16.8 factors per recreation and persistently produces on each ends of the ground.
Murrell shot 3/5 from deep and scored 17 factors within the Rebels’ slim three level loss to USC over the weekend.
Ole Miss has now dropped two straight as a result of previous to dropping to South Carolina they fell on their residence flooring to Auburn.
ESPN’s matchup predictor likes Kentucky to ship yet one more L. They’ve the Cats at an 83.3% likelihood at victory. I just like the sound of that.
Recreation: Kentucky Wildcats vs. Ole Miss Rebels
Time: 9:00 PM EST
Location: Lexington, Kentucky — Rupp Area
TV Channel: ESPN
On-line Stream: WatchESPN and the ESPN app.
Radio: Tom Leach and Jack Givens on the UK Sports Radio Network.
Replay: WatchESPN and the SEC Community (examine native listings).
Odds: ESPN’s matchup predictor offers the Cats an 83.3% likelihood of victory, whereas KenPom has it at 74%, and EvanMiya is at 72.5%.
Early Predictions: KenPom has the Cats successful 86-79, whereas EvanMiya goes with am 85-78 victory for the house staff.
On Saturday, Kentucky will play probably the greatest groups within the convention as they journey to No. 12 Auburn for a 6:00 PM tip-off, additionally on ESPN.
The 19-5 Tigers all the time current a troublesome problem for Kentucky, particularly on the highway.
Bruce Pearl’s squad is led by Morehead State switch Johni Broome who’s averaging 16 factors and eight rebounds per recreation. The senior additionally will get 2.4 blocks per recreation and is the straw that stirs the drink for Auburn.
Auburn is going through a giant week of its personal with residence video games vs. South Carolina on Wednesday and Kentucky on Saturday for this week’s Faculty GameDay venue. The Tigers want a sweep this week to maintain tempo within the SEC race, as South Carolina and Alabama are presently tied for the league lead and one recreation forward of the Tigers.
The Tigers are additionally coming off a blowout loss at Florida, in order that they’ll be seeking to get that dangerous style out of their mouth this week in opposition to the Gamecocks and Wildcats.
It’s unclear when Tre Mitchell will likely be again in uniform, however his absence was felt in a serious approach through the Gonzaga recreation, the place the UK was punished within the paint. Saying this, it might’t all be on Mitchell to save lots of Kentucky within the painted space. Another person has to step up and supply consistency on the defensive finish and on the boards, although none of Aaron Bradshaw, Ugonna Onyenso, or Zvonimir Ivisic have but to take action.
Containing Johni Broome will likely be precedence primary for John Calipari’s struggling defensive staff.
Most individuals nonetheless consider Kentucky has all of the items to make a deep March run, however currently, their efficiency isn’t matching that potential. If this retains up, Kentucky goes to search out itself nearer to the bubble than a great seed.
As talked about earlier than, it is a large week for UK Basketball. Keep tuned in with A Sea of Blue for your whole protection and updates.
Recreation: Kentucky Wildcats at Auburn Tigers
Time: 6:00 PM EST
Location: Auburn, Alabama — Neville Area
TV Channel: ESPN
On-line Stream: WatchESPN and the ESPN app.
Radio: Tom Leach and Jack Givens on the UK Sports Radio Network.
Replay: WatchESPN and the SEC Community (examine native listings).
Odds: ESPN’s matchup predictor offers the Tigers an 82.8% likelihood of victory, whereas KenPom has it at 80% in favor of the house staff. EvanMiya is at 84.4%.
Early Predictions: KenPom has Auburn successful 87-78, whereas EvanMiya is at 87-77 for the Tigers.
How do you see this week taking part in out for the Cats? Protected to say something lower than a 1-1 displaying will likely be a catastrophe that places Kentucky firmly on the NCAA Match bubble.
Hold forth within the feedback part!
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