UNC vs. Kentucky: 3 keys for a UK victory on Saturday

by Andrew Hardison

Saturday is quickly coming up and as we all know, the matchup between two of college basketball’s illustrious programs is the talk of the nation as two-time National Champion Roy Williams brings his UNC Tarheels into Rupp Arena. The matchup is anticipated once more, a feeling that was non-existent for five straight years. That’s because Kentucky struggled to beat the dominate UNC teams Williams has put together, a feeling that the Big Blue Nation wants to throw in the garbage this time around.

The arrival of John Calipari has brought a renewed sense of self for the program and its fan-base. He’s realistic and wants all of us crazy, looneys to take a second to realize the situation we’re all in. Calipari has been patient with his young team, but now is the time to bring it all together. Saturday stands as that test. Here’s a look at how Kentucky can beat 11th ranked UNC and solidify their ranking as the #5 team in the nation:

-Inside, Inside, Inside:
John Wall has dazzled many of those in attendance for any of the first seven Kentucky basketball games. It was expected, but did anyone really think he would do it to this extent? With that said, Wall isn’t the first focus of the game. The paint area, low-post, where the big guys roam is ‘numero uno.’ The Tarheels come back with a hoard of low-post talent that may be even greater than Kentucky’s. Experienced guys like Deon Thompson and Ed Davis were regulars last year on a National Championship winning team and are back for a shot a second one in as many years. Thompson is to Batman as Davis is to Robin. The duo has a wealth of experience as well talent. Thompson and Davis combined for 36 points and 10 rebounds, in the rematch against Michigan State Tuesday night in which they won, again, 89-82. The game gave UK fans glimpses of what the Wildcats quartet of post players will have to deal with.

Kentucky also has their own Batman & Robin duo, with All-American junior Patrick Patterson and heralded McDonald’s All-American DeMarcus Cousins. The two have been a load to handle for opposing teams, with the Wildcats dominating the interior night-in and night-out. Cousins’ has already had a 27 point/18 rebound affair against Sam Houston State. In Monday night’s game Patterson and Cousins combined for a 41 point/19 rebound outing against an inferior UNC-Asheville team. UK’s Batman and Robin had the better numbers, but UNC played better competition. The inside battle will test Cousins especially because of his inexperience. Williams is going to ‘bring it’ to the youngster all night, hoping Cousins gets into quick foul trouble. If successful, Kentucky will have to rely on other freshman reserve Daniel Orton. Serviceable yes, but still not as dominate as Cousins. Stayed tuned for this great matchup inside.

Eric Bledsoe:
Bledsoe comes into the matchup as one of Kentucky’s bigger anomalies on the season. He’s turned the ball over at alarming rates (4.3) on the season. He’s one of the Wildcats better three-point shooters, shooting 52% on the season. He’s one of Kentucky’s best players and most aggressive athlete’s but has yet to hit his full stride. When will it come? Why not against North Carolina? It’s going to be a tough draw for Bledsoe as he’ll probably have to guard a much bigger Marcus Ginyard. That’s if UK head coach John Calipari opts to keep Bledsoe on Ginyard and not point guard Larry Drew III. Bledsoe can become effective for the Wildcats in so many ways, the time to hit his full stride is on Saturday. Wall will continue to be the distributor. It’s time for Bledsoe to become an effective sidekick and shooting guard, focusing on solid shooting, ferocious defense, and mistake free basketball. It’s easier said than done, even for a guy like Bledsoe, but is so vital to a victory against a Top-10 team. Keep an eye on Bledsoe and how he reacts throughout the game.

The Bench:
If Kentucky head coach John Calipari were ever asked how his bench has been playing of late, his answer might as well be, “I plead the fifth.” Kentucky’s bench had been inconsistent earlier in the season, especially during the Sam Houston State game when no bench players scored during the game for Kentucky. Things have begun to look up for a cast of characters coming of UK’s bench, with many of them being capable of helping in key situations. Ramon Harris has taken the bull by the horns as the lead bench player. His senior leadership is second only to teammate John Wall and does an incredible job of communicating while on the court. He’s often praised by his head coach for the little things that help his team win, but aren’t always in the headlines the next day. The defensive stalwart must continue the trend and get some buckets to boot.

Freshman Daniel Orton and JUCO transfer Darnell Dodson are the other two that will get to see regular minutes, with both bringing a different look to the lineup. Orton serves as the main backup to Patterson and Cousins, with the ability to put some points on the board. He’s not as big as Cousins, so he doesn’t ‘move’ an opponent as much. Orton has a solid mid-range shot, with good foot-work accounting for some points down low. Dodson sat out some time earlier but is back at it. He’s played well since returning and brings solid playmaking ability from one of UK’s wing players. Dodson hits the three, a plus for anyone playing on the court for Kentucky. If the bench play for the Wildcats steps up, it could be game over for UNC.

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