Wildcats Turn to Home Game Against the Volunteers for Momentum
Evan Norris
Posted On February 15
The #5 Kentucky Wildcats (20-4) get to host the #1 Tennessee Volunteers (23-1) in an important SEC game for both teams. Tennessee is a great team this year with them being on a nineteen game winning streak. However, Kentucky is pressingly great too, but a controversial loss to LSU has set them back.
How Kentucky Can Win
Score more and move the ball at a higher rate. Not specifically to Kentucky this whole year, but more so for this opponent, the Wildcats will need to up their specialties more. Kentucky is averaging seven points less than the Volunteers this year and six less assists. If the young core group that has been running this team this year can highlight their needs, they could get this upset done.
How Tennessee Can Win
Don’t let the hype get to the players and their playing. The Volunteers are outdoing this Kentucky team by every category, except for steals this season. This means they are well equipped to beat this team and should. Tennessee just needs to treat this like any other road game for them. I feel like the Volunteers can execute this plan and do well.
Players to Watch
Kentucky: F PJ Washingon is the player that runs the scoring lead for the Wildcats. He shoots a 43.1% 3PT and averages 14.4 points a game. I think we will see these categories for Washington highlight this team’s attempt for a win.
Tennessee: F Grant Williams is the best player on this Tennessee team, right next to Admiral Schofield. However, Williams averages 19.4 points a game and shoots a 57.9% FG that propels him to do so well each game. We will see Williams have another great game for the Volunteers and perhaps increase his NBA stock.
Score Prediction
I like Kentucky when it comes to big-time games and the hype surrounding them. The Wildcats will have an opportunity to take the SEC and push for some Top-5 chaos. However, Tennessee is playing such a brand of basketball right now that I have trouble picking against them. I think Kentucky will push Tennessee to their limits, however, the Volunteers will pull away late.
Photo Credits: https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/1/5/16852006/kentucky-wildcats-tennessee-volunteers-game-time-tv-schedule-online-stream
