Kentucky Wildcat basketball season could rest on their "Road Warrior" abilities the next two weeks
By Paul Jordan
Yes. I picked the right picture for this story. In short, for Kentucky to repeat as SEC East Champs, they are going to have to get all Mel-Gibson-on-a-bad-day-kind-of-road-warrior-rage the next two weeks. I know that we are barely a third of the way into the SEC season, but the scheduling gods have not been kind to Kentucky and have given us a bear of a season over the next two weeks. Let’s take a look at the games where Terrence Jones and company will have to display their inner Mel Gibson.
2/1 @ MISSISSIPPI (13-8) (10-5 @ home)
The journey begins with a single step and the first step is a very manageable game. The Rebels are somewhat of a mess this year as they have already suffered home losses to such teams as Dayton and Colorado State plus they have not won at home in the SEC this year. Not to say that this game will be a pushover because Kentucky is 6-4 in their last 10 trips to Oxford but they have won three of the last four. The Rebels do not boast an imposing front court though so this should be a confidence builder for the Cats. A slip up here can cause some serious concern.
2/5 @ # 23 FLORIDA (16-5) (9-3 @ home)
I have to admit this is the road game that concerns me the most. While the Gators play most of their home games in front of scores of empty seats, the “O-Dome” actually transforms into a raucous pit when Kentucky, Tennessee, or other “big ESPN” game rolls into town. Not bashing the Gator fans, but just stating a fact. ESPN is hosting Gameday from Gainesville on Saturday and I can guarantee there will be no empty seats. Florida was drilled by Ohio State at home early in the season in that “big game atmosphere, but they have also suffered home losses to South Carolina and inexcusably Jacksonville. So this is not a unbeatable home team, but they are still pretty tough. Over the last decade, Kentucky is 4-6 at the basketball version of the Swamp, but the most telling stat is the fact that last year’s win snapped a five game losing streak.
2/12 @ #24 Vanderbilt (15-5) (11-1 @ home)
As expected, Vanderbilt has been very solid at home, beating teams like St. Mary’s, Marquette, and Georgia at home this season but recently suffered a 89-78 loss to Arkansas. Regardless, I don’t need to tell you how tough Vandy is at home. Last year’s thrilling 58-56 win at Memorial snapped a four game Commodore home winning streak versus the Wildcats. Kentucky is just 4-6 over the last decade against the Commodores so a win is never easy. This year’s version of Vandy is strong and should be another stern test for the Wildcats.
Keep in mind that Kentucky also has a home game against the Vols during this time span, so it is essential that Kentucky goes at the very least 2-1 on the road. That will keep the Cats in the race in the SEC East if they also knock off Tennessee. This means Kentucky must win at either Florida or Vanderbilt. A 3-1 record is very acceptable, but if Kentucky stumbles at both Florida and Vandy they could find themselves fighting just to finish second in the SEC East and earn that first day tourney bye.
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