Kentucky Heads to Columbia for Redemption

Last time Kentucky and South Carolina met, January 31st there was chaos.
Chaos not only on the court, Kentucky lost 78-77, but also across the entire Commonwealth of Kentucky as the state suffered massive power outages due to a historic ice storm.

The cold and powerless Commonwealth could also symbolize the Cats play on that Saturday. Jodie Meeks was slowed down and held to 20, and when other players were asked to step up they simply could not.

With Perry Stevenson fouled in the waning seconds and headed for the line, Kentucky could have taken the lead and snuck out a victory. But not used to shooting or being called on, Stevenson was unable to make any of the free throws as Kentucky lost its second straight SEC game.

After the game, sophomore Patrick Patterson was at a loss for what had just occurred at Rupp Arena.

"We need to be tougher and more physical out there," Patterson said. "We rush our opportunities and make careless mistakes."

Kentucky then lost again the following game to Mississippi State and the 3 game lead they had built between them and the remainder of the SEC East division was gone.
Now, the Cats head to Columbia in hopes for redemption.

Since the meeting at the end of January, the Cats have gone 3-2 and are tied with the Gamecocks for first place in the SEC East.

Coach Gillispie said Tuesday, ““You always want to win first place. There are only four games left. There is still 25 percent of our conference’s schedule left. So, it’s quite a bit, but we are very fortunate to be where we are.”

And where they are is in a position to regain the SEC lead and all but cinch a birth in the NCAA tournament.

Today’s South Carolina newspaper, The State, called this game the biggest home game in years. South Carolina has not been in such a position to hold sole possession of first in the SEC East since…well ever!

And so, with this game has major implications for who will win the East, get a first round bye in the SEC tournament and all but sew up a spot in the field of 65.

Coach Gillispie is confident in his team following their best team performance against Tennessee Saturday, but knows South Carolina is going to come out swinging and swinging hard.

“As far as production goes, they are getting a great deal of production,” said GIllispie of the Gamecock team. “They have a good, sound defense and sometimes that doesn’t show up in numbers. They rebound in a timely fashion and because of their experience in play-making ability they have won a lot of close games.”

A close game is what they had against Kentucky and they out victorious. Now, the pressure is on. Both teams are in need of a win for the NCAA tournament but also in need of a win for SEC East supremacy.

Game Tips off at 7 p.m EST