The #14 Troy Trojans (23-10) will on the #3 Kentucky Wildcats (22-11) in the opening round on Friday at Milwaukee WI time to be determined. The Trojans won the Sun Belt Conference where they were the #4 seed going into the tournament. The Cats defeated Oklahoma in the 2nd round and lost by 29 to Alabama in the quarterfinals. Go Cats!!

The Cats game will tip at 7:10pm on Friday.

UK would lose if Cal was still the coach.

Cats 94

Troy 75

Kentucky 80-64.

This game, heck, the entire tournament hinges on Kentucky's health. If Butler is a go and can play at even 85-90%, I like Kentucky's chances of getting through the first weekend. If Butler goes down, then I don't know if this team can beat Troy. Everyone knows March is paramount on good guard play and "getting hot".

I am hearing Butler is a go and hopefully he will be effective. 

Kentucky - 84

Troy - 71

UK should go through to Round 2, but them losing wouldn't be the biggest shock in the world. This team is practically the same as last year's squad. They can score some points and can have points scored on them. Generally, teams like that are playing on borrowed time. Couple that with the injuries...

And we can talk about how Calipari is one of the worst coaches to ever set foot on a court, but we can't ignore that a victory on Friday would serve as Pope's first win in the NCAA tournament.

10 minutes ago, bugatti said:

This team is practically the same as last year's squad. They can score some points and can have points scored on them.

Per Kempom's efficiency numbers, Troy is 152nd in offense and 67th in defense. Compared to Oakland last year (114th on offense, 161st on defense), they don't seem as likely to make shots the way Gohlke did. The Trojans are much better defensively than was Oakland but nobody has really shut down Kentucky's offense this season.

Rooting for the underdog

75-71 Troy.

I would not play Butler tonight unless it becomes absolutely necessary.

The other option, start him and play him the first four minutes each half then sit him unless absolutely necessary.

 

8 minutes ago, Voice of Reason said:

I would not play Butler tonight unless it becomes absolutely necessary.

The other option, start him and play him the first four minutes each half then sit him unless absolutely necessary.

I've knocked that around in my head today as well. I think it would be good for him to get his feet under him on this stage, but I'd probably have a minutes restriction. Of course that could go out the window if the team struggles.

Granted, this is a new set of players, but the Arkansas win does add some level of pressure for tonight’s game.

92-72 Cats.  Perry and Noah will get quality minutes on the big stage. 

5 minutes ago, bugatti said:

Granted, this is a new set of players, but the Arkansas win does add some level of pressure for tonight’s game.

Nah, none of these guys were here.  

16 minutes ago, mcpapa said:

Nah, none of these guys were here.  

My evidence is this year’s squad folded like a lawn chair when they played the Razorbacks. Don’t think the Cal aura (good or bad) doesn’t permeate through the program. Same with how Pitino’s aura stayed after he left. They (current squad) are aware of UK’s recent flameouts and will need to deliver.