The Kentucky Wildcats return home Tuesday night to face the Georgia Bulldogs, a team trying to claw their way back into the SEC race. The Bulldogs came out strong early in the season, but their recent play suggests they might be slipping in the hunt for a tournament bid.
A big concern heading into the game is the Wildcats’ tendency to give up too many uncontested, wide-open shots. This hurt them in their loss to the Florida Gators on Saturday. Georgia launches 28.8 threes per game—a hefty amount—but hit only 31.8. Keep letting it fly, and Kentucky is banking on them having an off shooting night to secure the win.
The Wildcats have had some defensive breakdowns in a few games this season, including Saturday’s matchup against the Gators. This also occurred against the Tennessee Volunteers in Lexington about a week ago. Fortunately for Kentucky, they rallied to beat the Vols. The key is to avoid letting a team that shoots a high percentage from three get too many open looks and force you to play from behind all night.
Beat The Dawgs!
On Saturday, this stat showed its ugly side at times, as the Wildcats missed chances for an extra rebound or an easy layup. Florida executed at a high level, outrebounding Kentucky 43-34. Without Malachi Moreno on the floor, the Wildcats might have been blown out if not for his rebounding around the basket and creating second-chance opportunities.
The key to this season has been Moreno and his ability to change a game. Many initially saw him through a different lens, as just a piece or a project, but he was quickly inserted into the lineup and made a name for himself. This season’s performance will likely earn him some money next year, with hopes of returning to Lexington instead of going pro.
Moreno’s ability to perform well and avoid foul trouble will be key against Somto Cyril, the frontline center who was once committed to Kentucky. After John Calipari left for the Arkansas Razorbacks, Cyril ended up in Athens and is now regarded as one of the nation’s top rim protectors.
The Wildcats have faced plenty of challenges this season, from injuries to blowout losses, to hitting the road and pulling off wins in two tough environments in Arkansas and Tennessee. They even played their hearts out in a road loss to Florida, one of the nation’s top teams, playing at a championship level. This feels like the birth of a new group.
Kentucky has suddenly found new life and purpose, with everyone now understanding their roles. Early in the season, injuries forced players to adjust and figure things out, but now they know their direction and style of play. The team is starting to embody the vision Mark Pope has for them, and over the past month, they’ve been playing with incredible energy and intensity.
The Wildcats take on the Bulldogs Tuesday night, then hit the road to face a struggling Auburn Tigers squad still trying to find its identity. Given how well Kentucky is playing, it wouldn’t be surprising if they wrapped up the week 2-0 before heading into their matchup with the South Carolina Gamecocks.
In his pre-Georgia press conference, Denzel Aberdeen emphasized taking things one game at a time. The focus is on the Bulldogs now, with Auburn to worry about on Saturday. It’s been a wild ride all season, but the Wildcats have given fans plenty of optimism heading into one of the best times of the year in March.
For more coverage of Kentucky basketball, Click here. Kentucky’s Fourth Straight Win Puts Them Back In SEC Contention
Subscribe to College SportsCast for fun, original college sports Shows. Do not miss our weekly new Wildcat Weekly Show for more Kentucky Athletics recaps, previews, and analysis beginning Sept 8th.
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter here. Check out Stadium Rant Original shows on our Youtube channel and subscribe! Give our socials Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok a follow for more great content!
