Kentucky basketball: Game preview, 3 keys vs Alabama
By Drew Koch
1. Can the Kentucky basketball team control Collin Sexton?
Step one to getting back on track for the Kentucky basketball team is controlling Collin Sexton and the Bama backcourt. Sexton is the leading scorer for the Crimson Tide and is projected as a lottery-pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
Sexton is averaging 18.3 points, 3.7 rebounds ad 3.4 assists. He takes about 4 three-pointers per game and knocks down 34.1%. An abdominal injury kept Sexton out of the lineup for 3 games earlier this season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is arguably UK’s best defender, and watching the Auburn game on Wednesday night, it was obvious that Cal is becoming more comfortable playing man-to-man defense with his young team. SGA will draw the assignment on Sexton.
I look at this match up in a similar light to De’Aaron Fox versus Lonzo Ball last year. BBN has heard all season that Collin Sexton is the best point guard in the SEC. Saturday’s game at Rupp will be an opportunity for Gilgeous-Alexander to throw his name in the hat.
While keeping Sexton in check is obviously a big part of Kentucky’s defensive game plan, the Wildcats can’t forget about fellow freshman and Sexton’s backcourt mate John Petty. Petty launches almost 7 three-pointers per game and is shooting 38% from downtown.