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UK vs UofL: 3 keys, TV/ radio, prediction

By Drew Koch

LEXINGTON, KY - JANUARY 9: The mascots and cheerleaders of the Kentucky Wildcats build a pyramid during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks on January 9, 2005 at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. Kansas defeated Kentucky 65-59. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - JANUARY 9: The mascots and cheerleaders of the Kentucky Wildcats build a pyramid during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks on January 9, 2005 at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. Kansas defeated Kentucky 65-59. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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LOUISVILLE, KY – DECEMBER 21: Wenyen Gabriel
LOUISVILLE, KY – DECEMBER 21: Wenyen Gabriel /

1. Kentucky must attack the paint

Kentucky took 21 three-point shots in their 83-75 loss to UCLA in last week’s CBS Sports Classic. That’s too many perimeter shots for this year’s Kentucky team. Devin Booker, Jamal Murray and Malik Monk are not walking into Rupp Arena. The Cats do not have a legitimate perimeter threat on the team. However, that’s not to say that the Wildcats shouldn’t take three-point shots. Kevin Knox, Hamidou Diallo, Quade Green and Wenyen Gabriel can all make an open shot from downtown, but this team must attack the basket first. Diallo, Knox and PJ Washington need to drive the ball to the basket. Anas Mahmoud and Ray Spalding are skilled shot blockers for the Cardinals and have the ability to alter shots in the paint. That being said, the UK big men need to aggressively drive to the basket and either convert a difficult shot, draw the foul or grab an offensive rebound.

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