Kentucky in Trouble

Has the bubble burst?

From #24 in the nation and unbeaten in SEC play at the end of January to now having lost 7 of 10 games, the Kentucky Wildcats are in severe jeopardy of missing the NCAA tournament for the first time in 19 years.

The loss to Georgia, a team with an interim head coach and only two wins in SEC play, has forced the Kentucky Wildcats to put themselves in a position to be at the mercy of the NCAA selection committee in a short two weeks.

After the shocking Georgia loss coaches, players, and fans were at a loss for what had just happened. The Wildcats needed a win and simply came out flat, played uninspired and handed the Georgia Bulldog team the game.

After the game Billy Gillipie was seething commenting on his team’s inability to step up in adverse situations.

“I don't think they have shown a great deal of maturity of accepting a challenge. When things go well for them they are really good. I don't think we have been tough or mature enough”, said Gillispie. “We haven't accepted challenges personally or as a team very well.”

Georgia was a prime example of the team’s immaturity. When the Wildcats fell behind late in the fourth quarter there appeared to be players yelling at coaches, coaches yelling at players, and everyone pointing fingers at one another instead of working as a team to overcome the deficit.

The same incidence occurred during the three game losing streak earlier in the season, when following the Mississippi State loss, there were reports that there was an internal dissension of chairs flying, voices raising and a heavy dose of finger pointing.

The lack of control which Billy Gillispie has over this team looks to be more and more apparent in adverse situations.

None better example of the South Carolina loss, when following the Wednesday game, A.J Stewart apparently quit the team due to lack of play time.

Stewart then was readmitted to the team on Friday and for some unknown reason played meaningful minutes Saturday against #18 LSU and caused a costly foul at the end of the game to eventually lead to a Tiger victory.

The Wildcats inability to win games they should and lack of talent to compete against top-tier teams this year might be reason for the Wildcats to miss the NCAA tournament.

Kentucky has a limited amount of time to impress the selection committee. The season finale with the Florida Gators looks to be a game that, even a win might be meaningless, as the Gators have had the same struggles as the Cats late in the year.

LSU Clinches SEC TItle as they Claw Past Cats

Kentucky Falls Late

Maturity. Kentucky’s youth-ridden team appeared to be Coach Gillispie’s rationale for the team’s loss.

“We just aren’t a mature enough team to beat LSU”, said Coach Gillispie after the game.
After leading by as many as 8 mid way through the second half, Kentucky could not close the door on the now SEC Champion LSU Tigers.

Trailing by 8, LSU senior leader Marcus Thornton took over the game. In the first half, Kentucky kept LSU’s leader in check by holding him to just 2-for-10 shooting and a mere 4 points. But the second half, was much different for Thornton.

“I got in a groove in the second half and I didn't feel like I could miss," said Thornton, who led LSU with 23 points.

Late in the game, Kentucky freshman Darius Miller lifted the Wildcats to a 70-70 tie with just 20 ticks left in regulation. The crowd roaring with excitement, Kentucky felt the momentum shift their way.

Why would they not feel confident? The last time Kentucky was in a close game, they did what they needed to against the Florida Gators. Stopped the Gator offensive attack and gave the ball to their star player Jodie Meeks to hit a three and win the game.

But, LSU’s maturity helped the Tigers on their next offensive possession. The Bayou Bengals took the ball down the court heaved up a three point shot which landed in the basket. Rupp Arena went silent.

Kentucky now had lost to LSU in Lexington for the first time since 1989.
The Wildcats now fall double digit losses.

Mighty Big Blue Nation, has lost 6 of their last 8 will now be in serious trouble in making the NCAA tournament.

All those implications on winning the game and Kentucky simply lacked the maturity to come up with the victory.

Kentucky now has two games left in the regular season as well as the SEC tournament. The Cats RPI ranking heading into Saturday’s match-up was listed at 61, the tournament takes 65 teams. But as been noted, the selection committee looks at body of work and asks the question; “What have you done lately?” With that question the Cats will be bypassed by other teams with better resumes.

This loss hurts in so many ways but Kentucky must try to salvage the season in the remainder of the season if they have any hopes to make the tournament.

Kentucky Faces #18 LSU Tigers in another Must-Win

A season of “Must-Win” games continues for the Cats as they come off an embarrassing loss for first place in the SEC East, to take on the West Division champion LSU Tigers.

“We definitely need the win, but I don’t think it’s time to panic.” Said Jodie Meeks yesterday.

But panic should be setting in. Kentucky has lost five of their last seven and continues to struggle with the fundamentals of taking care of the ball. The Wildcats turn the ball over more than any team in the SEC and have a negative three turnover margin.

With massive amounts of turnovers, Kentucky has struggled in recent SEC play.

The LSU Tigers head into Rupp Arena on an 12 game win streak and look to clinch the SEC title outright with a victory against Kentucky. The Tigers have not won in Lexington since 1989, but Billy Gillispie knows that the history means nothing.

“They are very consistent and they have a great deal of composure. They never seem to crack. I think that has a lot to do with experience. They are a really solid team.” Said Coach GIllispie.

With the experience laden Tigers headed for Rupp Arena, Kentucky has a game which they must prove they belong.

Game Tips at 4 pm EST on CBS.

South Carolina Dominates--77-59

For the Cats, This One Hurts

Prior to the game, The State, Columbia’s newspaper deemed the game the biggest in years. It proved to be so big for the Gamecocks that South Carolina sold out their gym, the Colonial Life Arena, for just the third time ever.

The game began with a quick Devan Downey layup. Followed by two straight turnovers made by Kentucky—the tone was set.

South Carolina went on a roll in the first half leading by 18, 44-26.

In just the first half, South Carolina had blocked 8 Kentucky shots. They finished the game with 16.

The Cats struggled with holding onto the ball again Wednesday night. Maybe it was the tempo of play; quick and speedy, as dictated by the Cocks from the start but it was an obvious sloppy night. Kentucky and turnover tend to be synonymous with one another this season. In just the first 13 minutes of play the Wildcats had turned the ball over 10 times and finished the game with a grand total of 20.

The loss was embarrassing for Kentucky and after the game, dumbstruck South Carolina star Devan Downey, who led the Cocks with 21 points and 5 rebounds said after the game, ““I’m just speechless,”

Speechless is the way to describe the Wildcats too.

Following their most complete performance against Tennessee Saturday, this was definitiley a step in the wrong direction.

When asked on his teams play Coach Gillispie said after the game; “"We didn't take it personal enough."

And now, the Cats have fell back down in the standings and suffered a blow to their tournament resume. Kentucky now is in a three way tie for second with Tennessee and Florida with three games to play. The Cats come home to host LSU Saturday, in another must-win and resume builder. There is a need for a rebound especially with such a devastating and humiliating loss so fresh in memory.

Keys to Victory and Projections

Keys to a Kentucky Victory-

Short and simple. This game appears to be for all the marbles. If Kentucky loses they lose the tie break with South Carolina for first in the SEC East and land in a three-way tie for second. If Kentucky wins, they are not in the clear, but do hold a slight advantage with three games left. If Kentucky plans to come out on the winning side here is what they must do—

1) HOLD ON TO THE BALL- Although the turnovers have been lessened, the Cats turned the ball over 21 times in the last meeting with the Gamecocks. Kentucky must make smart decisions with the ball in order to stay competitive.

2) HIT THE BOARDS- Key to Kentucky coming out victorious is being physically dominant. That starts and stops in the post. Kentucky needs to rebound the ball on both ends to control this game.

PREDICTION

South Carolina traditionally has never been put in this position before. But, Columbia will be rocking, rolling, and extremely hostile. I see Devan Downey, South Carolina guard having another solid game and getting the victory. Although Kentucky is coming off their best performance of the season, this is a young and inexperienced team that will struggle in such a hostile environment.

KENTUCKY- 61
South Carolina- 64

DIFFERENCE MAKER—
A new installment for such a HUGE game in the Bluegrass.

MICHAEL PORTER

The junior point guard has began playing well in the past few weeks, hitting key three pointers, limiting turnovers, and being a leader on the floor. It is a foregone conclusion that all Gamecock focus will be on the two stars- Patrick Patterson and Jodie Meeks.

Michael Porter must continue his hot hand and leadership if Kentucky is to come out with a win and the SEC East lead.

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

SEC's Judgement Week

ESPN has deemed this week “Judgment Week” in college basketball as a plethora of games have implications on in’s, outs, and seedings for the NCAA tournament that is less than three weeks away.

To deem call a week “Judgment Week” seems especially fitting for the SEC East Division, which has 3 teams tied with four –Florida, South Carolina and Kentucky as well as Tennessee just a game behind.

In the remaining two weeks of the regular season, the Kentucky Wildcats must face South Carolina in Columbia, host the #18 LSU, hosts the Georgia Bulldogs and travel to Florida for the finale.

Florida goes to Baton Rouge, faces Tennessee, travels to Mississippi State, and has Kentucky.
South Carolina hosts the Wildcats, goes to Vanderbilt, plays Tennessee, and finishes off with Georgia.

The Gators have the most difficult sleight having to play each of their remaining games against teams vying for one of the SEC’s tournament selections. South Carolina appears to have the easiest road to the SEC East title and track to the big dance. Other than Kentucky this week and Tennessee, the Gamecocks hold the scheduling advantage.

With the conference as a whole on a down year, just one team, LSU is ranked in the top-25, the number of teams that will be selected to make the tournament are down this year.

According to ESPN’s bracketology, the SEC should send 5 teams to the tournament, but a lot can still happen. Teams in contention for the five bids include; Mississippi State, LSU, Kentucky, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida, while Auburn is seemingly making a late push and could throw their resume to the table with a strong showing in the conference tournament.

Judgment Week, as it has been deemed promises to separate the contenders and pretenders. Florida’s trip to Baton Rouge and the SEC leading LSU Tigers kicks off the week, followed by a Kentucky and South Carolina showdown Wednesday.

By mid-week there might be one team alone in first in the East conference. And then it can all change again with the second games of the week Saturday and Sunday.

The term of March Madness, should be moved to February. Judgment Week will certainly drive teams and fans mad. With the games set to kick off Tuesday, a lot will be decided this week.

Kentucky Beats Tennessee

Kentucky plays most complete game of season

Missed shot, turnover, air ball.

That was the Tennessee Volunteer’s first three offensive possessions.

With the early struggles, the Kentucky Wildcats capitalized displaying their most complete game of the season starting the game on an 11-0 run and coming away with the crucial 77-58 victory.

The victory came without a ton of production by Jodie Meeks, as he was held by the Tennessee defense to shoot just 4 for 14 from the field and end with a total of 14 points. With the lacking of Kentucky’s main threat, the rest of the Cats were able to pick up the slack for the first time all year.

Point guard Michael Porter, freshman Darius Miller, Perry Stevenson, and Ramon Harris all made contributions to the Cat scoring efforts.

“They really did well.” Said Coach Gillespie after the game.

Not only did Kentucky have production from a vast majority of the team, they were also efficient. The Cats made nearly 60% of their shots and accumulated 23 turnovers in the 28 baskets made.

“We've never been a selfish team.” Coach Gillespie explained, “We've had some great passes this year but we didn't make the baskets. That's misleading. This time we got the ball in the paint more effectively.”

The win gives the Wildcats 8 in conference and keeps them in contention for the SEC East title. With the knocking off of Tennessee, there is now a three-way tie in the East with Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina all tied or first. The number of teams in first can be narrowed down once again on Wednesday as the Wildcats head to Columbia for a rematch against the Gamecocks.

The Tennessee victory was promising and displayed that the Wildcats do have the players to compete. If the production can continue from more than the two Kentucky stars, the Cats can be on the road to some great things.

Basketball Time in the Bluegrass has HUGE Implications Saturday

KEYS TO KENTUCKY VICTORY-
With the Cats facing another must-win at Rupp Arena, Kentucky prepares to face off with the Tennessee Volunteers. The Vols are equally in need for a win and therefore should be close to the end.

As the game holds major implications for the nearing Selection Sunday(3 weeks away), here is what Kentucky must do to get the victory…

1) Set Screens- It was just two months ago that Jodie Meeks ripped the Tennessee Volunteers for a Kentucky record 54 points. It is no secret that the Vols do not want to be embarrassed again by Meeks and will be covering him more intensly than he has seen all season. It is important to get the junior from Georgia going early and often and therefore the Cats must set screens to open up shots. With ball screens, Kentucky should be able to find ways to get the ball into Jodie Meeks’ hands.

2) Patterson must come back- Over a week ago, Patrick Patterson landed wrong coming down with a rebound against the Gators and has been MIA ever since. The rehab process is slow and as of Thursday, Coach Billy Gillispie was unsure if Patterson would be ready to go Saturday. If P-squared can come back, he should be the difference maker in the game. Patterson is averaging nearly 2 blocks, 9 rebounds, and 17.8 points per game. Without the sophomore standout, the Wildcats went 1-1…they need him Saturday if they want to win.

3) If you have a shot…take it!- I keep going back to the first half of the Florida game two weeks ago. The Cats tossed around the ball and it wound up in point guard Michael Porter’s hands at the top of the key. Collectively the fans urged him to shoot the open three, but he hesitated, passed it off and eventually led to a turnover. Kentucky so heavily relies on Patrick Patterson and Jodie Meeks, no other player seems to want to take a shot. It will be a given that the Tennessee defense will go all out to stop Jodie Meeks and so someone else must take some shots. The key to the game is for the players that aren’t named Patterson and Meeks to take initiative to shoot the ball.

-Prediction-

Kentucky 68

Tennessee 80

- Tennessee is coming off an embarrassing double digit loss to Ole Miss. The last time the Cats faced off with Tennessee in Knoxville, the Vols were embarrassed. With a lot to prove, I think it will be Bruce Pearl's team that will want it more and come out with the victory.

Four Way Tie in SEC EAST....again

You lose, we all lose.

Just one day after Kentucky fell one game behind Tennessee and South Carolina for 1st in the SEC Eastern division, both the Vols and Gamecocks found ways to lose.

Tennessee was dominated by Ole Miss 81-65. The Volunteers were outrebounded, outshot, and outplayed. With the loss, the game with the Kentucky Wildcats in Rupp Arena Saturday is a must win for both teams, if they are not wanting to sweat out selection Sunday in nearly a month.

The cute pick, a youthful South Carolina Gamecocks also fell Wednesday night to Mississippi State 75-70. The Gamecocks led at halftime but were outplayed in the 2nd half for a Bulldog victory.

Now, with both teams losing ahead of the Cats, there is once again a four way tie atop the SEC East with Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee all knotted up with four losses.
In the remaining weeks, each team plays each other one more time.

The margin for error for all the East teams has once again tightened and so promises to be an exciting last month of the SEC season.

SEC - East

Florida 7-4
South Carolina 7-4
Kentucky 7-4
Tennessee 7-4
Vanderbilt 5- 6
Georgia 1-10

Cats Can't Leave Nashville with a Win

Kentucky Loses Steam--

Is Vanderbilt’s Memorial Coliseum a house of horrors for the Cats? It might be, as the Wildcats entered the gym Tuesday night on a roll winning two crucial SEC games, only to lose mightily at the hands to the Vanderbilt Commodores 77-64 last night.

Kentucky’s loss to Vanderbilt is the fourth straight in Nashville and now places the Cats in yet another hole in the SEC East.

The game started bad and ended worse. The Patrick Patterson-less Wildcats appeared to be a step behind the ‘Dores all day.

Kentucky committed 13 fouls in the opening 20 minutes and finished with a season high 29 fouls. The immense amount of fouls sent Vanderbilt to the line where they took advantage of the mistake-prone Cats. Vandy shot 80% from the free throw line.

Not only was Vanderbilt capitalizing on the Cats constant fouls but was also able to dominate down low—out rebounding Kentucky 31-23.

Kentucky now is looking up at both South Carolina and Tennessee in the East Division. With the SEC already thought to be a down conference, each loss is more and more costly. The Cats now must face a seemingly, ‘Back-on-track’ Tennessee Volunteer team that has won their last 2 games.

Tennessee Game will be nationally televised on CBS Saturday, Tip at 1 p.m EST

Kentucky and Vanderbilt--Round 2

Ugliness. In a word, ugliness can describe the scene a year ago in Nashville.

It was in Nashville, that the Kentucky Wildcats suffered the most embarrassing, lopsided loss in the Billy Gillespie era losing to the Commodores by 41 points.

Kentucky scored only 11 in the first half and at the final gun the score- 93-52. This year however, the teams and situation is different.

The Cats head to Nashville with a little confidence, swagger, and mindset that they have turned this season around.

The turnaround began last week with a last second three point shot by Jodie Meeks to knock off the Gators and then Saturday, Kentucky dominated the Razorbacks in Fayetteville. Meeks, again was unstoppable scoring 45 points.

With the Cats hitting stride again, they travel to Nashville. The opponent—Vanderbilt, has struggled immensely this season. Losing shooter Shan Foster has proved to be a huge loss for the ‘Dores, as they appear to be headed to a tournament-less season for the first time in 3 years.

The struggling Dore team is led by sophomore big man A.J Ogilvy.

Ogilvy was injured when the Cats last met in January, but should be a key to victory for either team.

According to Billy Gillespie yesterday, the coach was less than optimistic about his big man Patrick Patterson, who injured his foot one week ago and sidelined him in Arkansas.

“He did not seem to be where I wanted him to be”, said Gillespie.

Without Patterson in the line up, the Cats will be overmatched downlow. Without Patterson’s presence, the Cats loss rebound power, blocked shot capabilities, and the second scorer.

As Jay Bilas pointed out, “You look at Kentucky’s numbers and their third option has shot less than half the times of Kentucky’s second leading scorer.”

Meaning, that Kentucky is going to be in trouble today, if Jodie Meeks can be stopped and Patterson out, the supporting cast is less than sufficient.

It will be key, for Kentucky to get Jodie Meeks going early. The long shots will be key due to Kentucky being overmatched below the basket.

Kentucky takes on Vanderbilt at 9 pm on ESPN

Kentucky faces Arkansas

The age-old quote in American literature by F. Scott Gerald says, “There are no second acts in American lives.”

This quote has been used in every sport, with various teams and in various multitudes.
Kentucky basketball can also attempt to disprove the monacre through the remainder of the season.

The Wildcats began SEC play undefeated and reached the national rankings at #24 in the nation.

Then, the Cats fell to a porous Ole Miss, last in the last seconds at home against South Carolina, and were outplayed at home by Mississippi State. The three straight losses had a lot of the

Wildcats questioning themselves and their chances to make a statement to the nation that the program is back on the rise.

When Tuesday came around, Big Blue was in dire need for a win. The season rested on the showdown with the Florida Gators, whom they had lost 7 of 8 against.

Back and forth the game went, until the final seconds Jodie Meeks hit a three point shot to win the game and maybe even save Kentucky’s season.

Following the emotional win, the Cats now head to Fayetteville to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Arkansas had little hopes at the beginning of the season, having lost four of five starters. But this young team shocked the nation early by defeating two top-10 teams in a week—Oklahoma and Texas.

But following the huge wins, the Razorbacks fell back down to earth, losing all but one game in SEC play. Pig-Su- eee is 1-8 in conference play and averages 75 points a game.

The Razorbacks have traditionally given the Cats trouble in Fayetteville, the series is knotted at 4-4 in the Bud Walton Arena.

The Cats do have their hands full with the Razorbacks, but another win will be another step in disproving; “There are no second acts in American lives.”

For Big Blue nation, they can only hope.

Game tips off at 1 pm on CBS.

Kentucky faced a must win Tuesday night and with less than 20 seconds left, the score was tied at 65
Kentucky had the ball.

Of course the last shot would go to Kentucky’s shooter and SEC’s leading scorer- Jodie Meeks.

The capacity crowd, ESPN’s national audience, and the Florida Gators all knew it.

But somehow, as the seconds ticked away Meeks threw up an ugly shot which landed in the basket.

“That was the first time since I was in eighth grade that I made the game winning shot”, said Jodie Meeks.

The miraculous shot put the Wildcats up 3 with less than 10 seconds to go. Keep the ball out of Florida’s playmaker Nick Calathes’ hand and the Cats would win and all would be happy in the Bluegrass.

However, as Florida drove the court, Calathes threw up a three point shot of his own, missed but was fouled. Three free throws—for Florida’s leading scorer—made overtime a guarantee.

“After the foul I thought we would go to overtime. Calathes is a great player that normally makes those shots”, said Meeks after the game.

But, Calathes missed the first, the second, and the third.

Kentucky won 68-65, forced a four way tie atop the SEC East, and snapped a three game losing streak.

Following the game, outside the Florida Gator locker room, words of anger reverberated out of the Florida locker room. A frustrated Billy Donnavan screamed at his team and his players shared their displeasure with the outcome.

Keeping his head down, lacking eye contact, and obviously frustrated, Nick Calathes who scored 33 points in the game explained; “I would rather have scored 5 points and won.”

Kentucky showed heart and seemed to come together Tuesday night.

With Patrick Patterson unable to find his shot down low and Jodie Meeks unable produce all the offensive production, the rest of the Cats were able to pick up the slack.
Josh Harrelson, Kevin Galloway, and Michael Porter(Yes, Michael Porter), scored in double digits to help the Cats ge the victory.

The most impressive player had to be Kevin Galloway. The freshman drove the floor and made his way to the basket with such confidence all game. His play helped spark Kentucky’s late 10-0 run late in the fourth quarter.

The win was huge for the Wildcats as they are now in a four-way tie for first place in the SEC East. Kentucky’s back in the NCAA possible teams to make the big tournament in March and seem primed to make a run the remainder of the season.

Showdown in the Bluegrass!

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

Florida v Kentucky has a lot riding on the game...

As Saturday concluded and Tennessee lost to the lowly Auburn Tigers, there is now, no doubt in my mind that maybe two or three teams will make the NCAA tournament.

With the SEC a clear laughing stock, basketball wise, Kentucky is fighting for a slot to the dance, which might only take a few bids from their conference.

Coming in with a three game losing streak, everyone is looking answers.

“We need to come together, regroup, and get back to being a family,” said Patrick Patterson.

The sentiment of “family” was not shown following the loss to Mississippi State last Tuesday night. Following the loss in which they were clearly dominated, a locker room mutiny occurred. Chairs were thrown, voices were raised, and fingers were pointed. Obviously frustrated, the Wildcats are at a cross roads and are in need for answers quickly.

Cats must regain composure and it must start Tuesday night against the Florida Gators.

Historically, Florida Gator basketball did not strike fear in the heart of the Big Blue faithful; the Wildcats have dominated the series winning 85 and only losing 31 times.

But in the past four years, Kentucky has been outmanned, out played, and out willed by Billy Donavan’s team.

Florida has won 7 of 8 games against the Cats and blames the 8th game (last year which Kentucky won at the end of the regular season), to the reason for them missing the NCAA tournament.

With a new basketball rivalry emerging, two teams in turmoil, someone will have to make a statement and for a legitimate case to make the dance in March.

This game means a whole lot for both schools.

Game time Tuesday 9 pm ESPN

Three in a row—Kentucky Falls to Mississippi State 66-57

For the third time in as many games the Kentucky Wildcats once again fell. This time Mississippi State was able to handle the Wildcats, just as Ole Miss and South Carolina did---slowing down Jodie Meeks and forcing Kentucky to win in other ways.

The shutting down of Meeks, has proved to be key for Kentucky opponents. In the last 3 games Meeks is well below his points per game average with only 18 points a game. That falls nearly 8 points below his average during the win streak that saw the Cats stock rise to #24 in the nation just a week ago.

If Kentucky is to get back on the winning track they will be forced to find some other type of offensive production. Big Blue is now 3rd in the SEC East trailing Tennessee, South Carolina, and the Florida Gators.

The Rebels seemed to find the answer to defeat the Wildcats and teams have used the same formula.

Coach Billy Gillespie now has a week’s worth of time to try and find an answer before the Florida Gators come to Rupp.

Kentucky Loses Two Straight and Needs Answers

Just a week after being ranked in the AP poll, Kentucky has lost two straight and is looking to rebound against a tough Mississippi State team.

The past two meetings with the Bulldogs, the Wildcats have struggled; losing both in 2007 in the SEC tournament and last year in Starkville.

Following the loss to South Carolina, Kentucky players and Coach Billy Gillespie were visibly upset with their performance and lack of quality play.

“You bet I am mad,” said Jodie Meeks after the game.

“We aren’t going to win too many more games with the way we handle the ball,” said Coach Gillespie.

And Patrick Patterson also summed up his frustrations with, “We aren’t doing the right things to win games.”
Now with a two game losing streak how will the Cats rebound?

They have faced adversity before, as they started the season 0-2 by being dominated by VMI and North Carolina. Following the two losses, the Wildcats did go on a tear winning 15 of 17 games.

Once again, Kentucky has hit a snag losing another two games in sucession. The once unbeaten in coference team needs to get better as a team.

National pundits, local media, and South Sporting News blog has been saying for weeks the Kentucky Wildcats need to find a third scorer, they need to limit turnovers, they need to stop relying solely on Jodie Meeks and Patrick Patterson.

And win after win, it seemed that although they needed to be more complete, Kentucky seemingly was doing enough to win and win handily over opponents. Now, Kentucky has been exposed, Jodie Meeks has been limited, and no one anywhere else on the court feels the need to step up.

Someone will have to step up Tuesday, or the Wildcats will fall further down the ladder in the SEC.

Game tips off Tuesday @ 7pm.

KEYS TO VICTORY-
1) Slow the Pace- South Carolina is a fast pace, score-at-will team. The last time Kentucky played a team with that style they lost---VMI. Kentucky must focus on getting the ball down low to Patrick Patterson and Perry Stevenson. The slowing of pace, will get South Carolina’s three-point hungry team to slow down.

2) Play Smart- The Wildcats seem to lack basketball IQ. They turn the ball over 20 times a game and have been lucky enough to not be caught by the negative differential. If Kentucky is to take control of the SEC, they need to limit turnovers….

PREDICTION—
Kentucky is coming off a loss that is either a wake-up call or the truth. The Cats lead the overall series with the Gamecocks going 41-7 and 22-1 in Lexington. BUT history rarely plays a factor in the ‘here-and –now’ and so that is why I am less than optimistic for the Wildcat chances today.
The Gamecocks are playing very well right now and want to make a real statement. A win would create a three way tie in second place and a ½ game edge over the Wildcats and Gators….

KENTUCKY- 70

SOUTH CAROLINA- 74