Kentucky Basketball uninspired effort fends off pesky Southern in final tuneup
By Eric Thorne
My Old Kentucky Home is nice but time for a change of scenery and foes
Kentucky could never quite put away the Jaguars (3-6) who have lived on the road to open the 2021-22 season only playing once at home. They lost their season opener at Louisville 72-60. They will play their third game of the year in the Bluegrass State at Lindsey Wilson on Thursday.
Wildcat coach John Calipari has said he has been using these games as a tuneup for the season that is about to get underway ahead of them in December before the grueling Southeastern Conference slate begins along with Kansas in late January.
Time to turn the key coach and see what this Big Blue machine really has under the hood.
Truth be told, the team has won seven straight games and is developing nicely with nearly all scholarship players getting playing time while teammates rehab and/or get healthy.
They haven’t looked lost, confused, or frustrated as most Calipari teams do at this point which is due to mature leadership and a mix of upper and underclassmen. They simply need a boost of adrenaline.
The Fighting Irish (3-4) have struggled this season having lost three straight to Texas A&M, Illinois, and Boston College along with a loss to St. Mary’s. However, playing in the Joyce Center with a very wild crowd will be a different atmosphere for this Wildcat team.
Then it’s off to fabulous Las Vegas and the T-Mobile Arena to battle Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic and then back to Rupp Arnea to welcome rival Louisville just three days before Christmas.
After opening, Christmas presents Big Blue Nation will be able to debate how this team will enter the New Year.