WVU plays every bit as physical as UC and then some and they do it pressing full court. This one will be another "cage match". Obviously U.K. cannot have a lot of turnovers. Turning teams over and scoring from those is basically the WVU offense. I certainly agree with others in that the Cats have to knock down some outside shots and rebound, WVU will also get points off "O" rebounding. This one concerns me far more than UC. I do believe that U.K. is on a mission / all in and will get the Win. I think it will be their first single digit win of the tourney.

 

U.K. 65

WVU 59

I've watched alot of WVU games and they don't have enough offense to compete with UK for 40 minutes. They might make it interesting for awhile and I hope they do keep it close, but I don't see it coming down to the wire.

The 'Eers offense is basically their points off turnovers and put backs. They are a very good rebounding team.

Booker needs to get back on track soon for the Cats. I will be interested to see which Big Cal uses to Invert and beat the press. I say Throw high to Towns at the Free Throw line and let Willie and Trey Run.

 

I thought UK looked a little tight in both of their games this past weekend. I don't know how you get them to relax and not feel the weight of the world on them, but they can't play tight this game or WVU will get them.

Coach Huggins stated tonight that they had to get more shots off than UK did. They could win and still shoot a lower % but had to have more shots.

 

I am a worry wart. I was worried about Cincy, GT made me feel better, but I was still scared. I will loose sleep gefore this game is played.....:lol2:

Kentucky by anywhere from 5- 22.

Cats by 9.

Shane Battier was on Mike & Mike this morning and he is predicting the upset. I turned it on to late to hear his reasoning, but apparently he made a couple good points. Anyone catch them?

Shane Battier was on Mike & Mike this morning and he is predicting the upset. I turned it on to late to hear his reasoning, but apparently he made a couple good points. Anyone catch them?

 

I thought it was pretty awful actually. He said because West Virginia plays a hectic style and rebounds the ball well.

 

He didn't mention the fact that WV has the 300th best half-court defense in the country, or that they are the 282nd best FG% offense in the country.

 

If Kentucky doesn't turn it over, and I don't see any reason to think they will, West Virginia will get blown out of the arena.

I thought it was pretty awful actually. He said because West Virginia plays a hectic style and rebounds the ball well.

 

He didn't mention the fact that WV has the 300th best half-court defense in the country, or that they are the 282nd best FG% offense in the country.

 

If Kentucky doesn't turn it over, and I don't see any reason to think they will, West Virginia will get blown out of the arena.

 

Well nevermind on the good points then haha. I thought Greenberg said he made some good points, but it's Greenberg. I like the show more when he's missing.

 

As to the bolded, I've said the same thing to about 6 different people now.

Here's another thing...Since the WVU/Maryland game ended, all I've heard from a wide array of media/sports people is how West Virginia is the team that can beat the Cats. Seems like they've done that a handful of times this season, and every time they do, the Cats just steamroll the opponent and end it early.

I think it will look very similar to the UC game but be a little bit closer since WV is a better team. Cats win by 8 in the end. 71-63.

Regarding Battier, there are those that want to be sexy and predict the upset so they can be the one to say "I told you so".

 

WVU is 4-8 against top-25 competition. Split with Oklahoma, Oklahoma St, and Kansas (the win at home was on a spectacular play by Staten); 0-2 against Iowa St, 0-3 against Baylor. I'm sure Cal is studying those tapes.

 

The physical games against UofL, Georgia, Arkansas and Cincinnati will have prepared KY nicely for this game...there will be no surprises.

 

The constant for UK is Defense. Their Defense is spectacular, is extremely consistent, and will be the reason they win it all.

 

Can WVU win this game? Sure, but a LOT has to go right for them, and a LOT has to go wrong for Kentucky.

 

Kentucky by 11.

I think it will look very similar to the UC game but be a little bit closer since WV is a better team. Cats win by 8 in the end. 71-63.

 

They are not anywhere close to as good defensively, and they actually shoot a worse % from the floor than UC.

 

The only way WV wins this game is if they force 20+ TOs and the Cats are ice cold from the perimeter.

 

Also, WV commits more fouls than any team in the nation. Kentucky could end up shooting 50 FTs in this one.

They are not anywhere close to as good defensively, and they actually shoot a worse % from the floor than UC.

 

The only way WV wins this game is if they force 20+ TOs and the Cats are ice cold from the perimeter.

 

Also, WV commits more fouls than any team in the nation. Kentucky could end up shooting 50 FTs in this one.

 

Limit Turnovers

Convert Free Throws at a High Rate

Shoot a Good % from 3 point land to take the heat off the middle

 

Did I leave anything out? :lol2:

I think that WVU and Huggins will go to a half court game in his 1-3-1 early. Cats will have to make outside shots.