SEC Weekly Wrap Up
The week of the rematch went as expected as the Kentucky Wildcats added another two wins to their resume. Kentucky started off playing a little later in the week than usual when they traveled to Missouri to take on the Tigers. The first meeting ended in a 49 point blow out so Missouri would look to avenge an embarrassing loss at home. They did not get the result that they were looking for but it was more respectable as the Cats handled business 69-53.
Kentucky would have a quick turnaround as they would have to host the struggling Alabama in Rupp Arena. Just two weeks ago Kentucky was in Tuscaloosa where they easily handled the Tide by 22. Unfortunately for Alabama, Kentucky did not just bring their number 1 defense, they also brought an efficient offense that put up 70 points on 58.8 percent shooting from the field. Kentucky is now 2-0 against Alabama on the season and (8-0) in the SEC… and undefeated in every game that they have played.
"Kentucky wasn’t perfect against Alabama (13-8, 3-5) but was impressive in many areas while posting its third straight win by at least 15 points.Two weeks after romping 70-48 in Tuscaloosa, the Wildcats made 24 of 41 from the field to surpass their previous best of 58 percent against Boston University on Nov. 21. They also controlled the paint 28-14 while their bench dominated the Tide 31-8.Kentucky also committed just five turnovers while forcing Alabama (13-8, 3-5) into 13 mistakes that resulted in 20 points."
Jan 31, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Danuel House (23) dribbles the ball during the second half as Vanderbilt Commodores guard Riley LaChance (13) defends at Reed Arena. The Aggies defeated the Commodores 69-58. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Around the league there were many chances for SEC teams to take a leap of faith and join the Wildcats in the top 25. If you could have guessed it they took the later option and decided to lose instead. Except for one team, the team that pushed Kentucky to its closest scare this season, Texas A&M. The Aggies are 15-5 on the season and 6-2 in the SEC. The double overtime loss to Kentucky could have disgruntled A&M but it has actually had a positive effect. The Aggies are 6-0 since their loss to Kentucky and could join the Wildcats in the top 25 next week. They go on the road to face Ole Miss and Missouri this week to try and extend their winning streak.
Jan 24, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari directs his team against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Up next for the Kentucky Wildcats are a home stand vs Georgia and a road trip down to Gainesville for college gameday. The game against Georgia is this Tuesday and it will be Kentucky’s third game in 5 days. Georgia is 14-6 on the year and 5-3 in the SEC. This will be the first match up against Georgia and the Cats will travel to play Georgia on March 3rd. Mark Fox will surely be very complimentary after the game, Cats take this one 74-51.
Gameday will be rocking Saturday night as Kentucky travels to play one of their biggest rivals in the SEC. The game might not be as hyped up as usual with the Gators struggling this season. Do not expect Florida to go down with out a fight, they still have Billy Donovan and the 2nd best basketball fans in the conference. Florida will keep it close but Kentucky will pull away in the second half 64-56.