CINCINNATI — Tuesday night is a crucial game for the Wildcats. It just got even more crucial Monday night as it was announced that Jaxson Robinson will not play for the Wildcats as he works through a wrist injury sustained in practice last Friday.
The difference between winning and losing this game for the Wildcats is substantial. A win would put Kentucky at 6-5 in the SEC with a season sweep over Tennessee, and it would give them a greater chance at clinching a top eight seed in the SEC Tournament next month. The alternative to winning? Sitting at 5-6 in the SEC just after 9:00 tomorrow night would not be ideal. Playing on Wednesday in the SEC Tournament would begin to look like more of a reality.
Tennessee has been rolling since the Wildcats beat them 78-73 in Knoxville two weeks ago. The Volunteers have won each of their last three games, including wins over Florida and Missouri. This is a crucial game for the Volunteers too, as they look to stay in the hunt for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Let’s look at the keys to the game for Tuesday night’s matchup.
Keys to the Game
1. Rebounding: Kentucky didn’t win the rebounding battle at Tennessee two weeks ago- the rebounding totals were 41-38 Tennessee- but they weren’t overmatched by any means. The Wildcats are a really good rebounding team, and they can go toe-to-toe with an extremely physical Volunteers team on Tuesday night.
2. Three-point shooting: Kentucky has the ability to make this the great equalizer. They did it in Knoxville, and it took a crowd of over 22,000 fans in Knoxville out of the game early. Playing at Rupp Arena on Tuesday night, the Wildcats can really make it a tough environment for Tennessee if they can knock down some three-point shots early.
3. Take care of the ball: When Kentucky takes care of the ball- 40 assists to 17 turnovers over the Wildcats last two games- they can beat any team in the country. Against a Tennessee team that likes to get out in transition, especially off turnovers, the Wildcats can’t give the Volunteers extra possessions. The easiest way to prevent that from happening is to take care of the ball.
Score Prediction: Wildcats 82 – Volunteers 76
Even without Jaxson Robinson, I expect the Wildcats to hold serve at home. Butler being back is crucial against a team like Tennessee, and the Wildcats can also rely on scorers like Otega Oweh, Koby Brea and Andrew Carr
