KEYS TO KENTUCKY WIN-
With three straight losses and Kentucky status going from contender to pretender, Tuesday, it is essential for the Cats to get back on track.
1) Guard the picks- Billy Donovan’s Gators are a notorious pick and roll team. A majority of their points come off screens. Kentucky must stick with a strong defensive attack, get off the screens, and guard their men.
2) Be Physical- As Gator radio voice, Mark Wise sums up, the Gators do not have a real post presence. Lacking a big man, Kentucky must get the ball down low, be physical, and dominate the boards. Florida’s lack of size has them ranked in the bottom of the SEC in rebounds per game.
3) Hit the shots around the perimeter- This season, the Gators have struggled in guarding teams that shoot well outside—Florida State, Tennessee, and Syracuse. Kentucky’s Jodie Meeks needs to be on the mark, as he has shown to be explosive from behind the arc.
4) Team Up- Patrick Patterson said that the team needed to come together and be a family. Family…well, after Mississippi State, family was NOT the word used with this team as chairs, words, and pointed fingers were flying. This game is a true test to the team’s character as they face adversity and a must win situation.
A lot must happen for the Cats to win against the Gators tomorrow. The Wildcats must be on the mark and regain the first half of their SEC play, that had them reach #24 in the polls and dominate opponents by a margin of 15.2 points a game. The Gators are a formidable opponent and will be a good litmus test for Kentucky’s chances to reach the Big Dance that is 5 weeks away!
Prediction
Kentucky 82
Florida 79
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