Kentucky women's basketball ready to match the men with a big win over Louisville: prediction and how to watch

After the Kentucky men’s basketball team took down Duke, a long-awaited, thrilling win for Big Blue Nation, it’s now the Lady Cats' chance to shine. Their upcoming game is equally high-stakes as they face in-state rival, No. 18 Louisville, a team they haven't beaten since 2015. If you think you have heard that before, you have. The Kentucky men's team had not beaten Duke since 2015, either. It is a little different as the women play every year, but the parallels are uncanny.

New coaches fill both positions, hire great assistants, start over with basically no team and recruit the portal well. Stars like Clara Strack and Georgia Amoore supplmented with freshmen stars like Clara Silva, the similarites are off the charts. Will that mean a victory for the ladies like the men?

The Lady Cats are definitely hungry to prove they belong, too. Kentucky is 3-0, while Louisville lost their season-opener to #5 UCLA in Paris. That early test for Louisville might give Kentucky a glimmer of an idea of what to expect; this is still a tough matchup. In recent history, Louisville is dominant in this rivalry, as we mentioned. Kentucky is looking to switch it up this year.

Key Battles and Stats to Watch

1. Rebounding Battle

Louisville: Averaging 44.7 rebounds per game, with a +7.7 rebound margin, led by Imari Berry and Olivia Cochran, who combine for about 12 rebounds per game​.

Kentucky: Averaging 49 per game for a margin of 14. Clara Strack and Amelia Hassett are both in double figures for rebounds per game.

Takeaway
The Cats need to continue asserting dominance here, as Louisville's best rebounder, Berry, averages only 6 per game.

2. Shooting Efficiency

At the end of the day you have to be able to put the ball in the basket; that starts with good shot selection.

Louisville: The offense flows down low, averaging 43% from the field and only 27 %​ from long distance.
Kentucky: Averaging 47% from the floor and only 28% from long range.

Takeaway
Both teams will look to make the two point shot, who ever can get hot from outside has a massive advantage.

3. Turnovers and Steals

Lousiville: Currently turning it over 18 times per game, or 55 times in 3 games.

Kentucky: Currently turning it over at a much lower rate, with 10 per game and 31 total.

Louisville’s defense, however, averages 10.7 steals per game, suggesting it will pressure Kentucky’s ball handlers, looking to create fast-break opportunities and easy baskets.

Takeaway
Georgia Amoore will need to be big and in control of the game.

4. Free Throw shooting

Louisville: Shooting just 61% from the free-throw line, and that could hurt them in a close game.
Kentucky: Shooting at 75% and has a massive lead here.

Takeaway
Kentucky needs to take advantage of Louisville at the line and continue to convert at a much higher clip than the Cards.

Prediction
Expect an intense game where Kentucky’s defense will need to step up, especially in handling Louisville’s quicker pace. Kentucky fans should be in for a close game all night long.

Kentucky 74
Louisville 70

MVP Georgia Amoore

Will the Lady Cats take inspiration from the men’s team and pull off the upset? If they do, it’ll be a double celebration for Big Blue Nation. You can follow along here on SEC+. You will need to sign up for ESPN+ to watch the game; click here to learn how to stream it.