Kentucky basketball: 3 keys vs South Carolina, prediction, TV/ radio/ live stream
By Drew Koch
3. This game will be a defensive struggle
Both teams allow less than 70 points per game and have defensive minded coaches. Don’t expect to see a track meet on Tuesday. South Carolina is holding teams to only 65.1 points per game and the Kentucky basketball team is allowing opponents only 69.6.
Both Calipari and South Carolina’s Frank Martin are defensive-minded coaches. Calipari has had to resort to an unconventional 2-3 zone at times for his Kentucky team this season. With Kentucky’s length, the Wildcats can disrupt passing lanes and challenge shooters while still in the zone defense.
Frank Martin’s basketball teams stress defense first. The ball denial defense that Martin is famous for helped guide his Gamecocks to the Final Four last year. So while South Carolina doesn’t have the same team that went to Phoenix in the first week of April, they do employ the same defensive principles that make this team a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Points will be at a premium, so easy transition baskets for the Cats are a must. When UK has the opportunity to run, they need to take advantage. Fast break buckets and second-chance points will go a long way to helping the UK basketball team secure a victory in Columbia.