Kentucky Beat: Keys to the game Friday night vs. Valparaiso

LEXINGTON, Ky. — A big difference between last year’s Kentucky team and this year’s Kentucky team is that this team isn’t playing its best basketball right now. Last year’s team peaked in non-conference play.

However, it’s a good thing this Wildcats team isn’t playing their best right now. They’re still playing good basketball, and they’re going to get better. If the second half Tuesday night is any indication, this Wildcats team is starting to find their offensive groove.

Friday night, Jaland Lowe will make his Wildcats’ debut when they host the Valparaiso Beacons. Lowe is playing just three weeks removed from his shoulder injury sustained in the Blue-White Event. With him on the court, the hope is Kentucky’s offense will be stabilized with him running the offense.

Valparaiso is one of the most recognizable programs in mid-major college basketball. The Beacons went to the Sweet 16 in 1998, the third of five staright appearances in the NCAA Tournament and six from 1996-2004. Homer Drew was the Beacons head coach from 1988-2002 and again from 2003-2011, leading the Beacons to 371 wins and seven NCAA Tournaments.

The Beacons, though, haven’t had a winning seasons since 2019-2020, their only winning season in the last eight since 2016-2017.

Let’s take a look at this Beacons team and keys to the game Friday night at Rupp Arena.

Keys to the Game

1. Rebounding
This Beacons team can rebound, but the Wildcats have the players to out-muscle them in the paint on both ends of the floor. The Wildcats shuld control the glass in this game.

2. On-ball defense
With Jaland Lowe making his Wildcats debut Friday night, they should be able to pressure the ball and make it tough for the Beacons to move it. They had just eight assists and 14 turnovers Tuesday night, so the Beacons are prone to mistakes. Pressuring the ball will amplify those.

3. Shot selection
This will help Kentucky’s offense Friday night. Taking good shots, not so many ill-advised three-pointers and moving the ball to get the best shot will, or should, lead to a better offensive output.

4. Free-throw shooting
This is self-explanatory. Friday night is a good nigh to work on this in-game, especially with a game at Louisville looming next Tuesday night.

Score Prediction: Wildcats 82 – Beacons 58
Friday night should be a much better offensive output from the Wildcats. Valpo could be a pesky team, but there are many weaknesses they possess, including on the glass for second-chance points, where the Wildcats can expose them and win this game going away. A more efficient offensive output will have Wildcats fans feeling good about this team going into Louisville.