Just a day away. Who's ready?
1. Kentucky played its C, maybe C+ game in two games at the KFC Yum! Center, won both games comfortably. Defensive game was closer to a B+ but as a whole it was not a pair of great performances for the Cats.
2. That being said, I'm not convinced UK can't play its C+ game in Cleveland and find two wins. Obviously the Cats could make it easier on themselves and play well and blow both teams out, but I'm not buying the notion "UK has to play better to advance."
3. West Virginia is lucky to be in this game and its luck runs out Thursday. Barely survived Buffalo and took a narrow win over a Maryland team without its second best player for the majority of the second half. And Maryland played AWFUL. Still had chances.
4. Cats will turn it over, sure, but it won't matter. I actually don't think you'll see West Virginia trap as much as they have had all season. The Mountaineers will pressure, but with Kentucky being so big, trapping will lead to slam after slam.
5. Why so many articles and predictions about WVU possibly beating UK? Because this happens every Sweet 16 game. Think about it. People spun Cornell possibly beating UK in 2010. A week break will make people say stupid things.
6. Cats will have a roll game in Cleveland. I know I mentioned UK could play its C+ game and win, and it can, but in at least one game this weekend you'll see vintage Kentucky just pound someone from start to finish.
7. UK fans should cheer for Wichita State. Sure they'd play the revenge card, but the Shockers don't have the size (Notre Dame doesn't either, but they have more of it) and really just have two players that can beat you on offense. Also, there would be more hype around that game. UK remembers last year. They wouldn't take the Shockers lightly.
8. Disappointed UK plays another late game. The team, and John Calipari, said the late start last Thursday was a reason they weren't crisp. Let's see if that's the case a week later.
9. If you're a UK fan thinking about going to Cleveland, GO. The Cats could use your support and it will be an awesome atmosphere. Cats also may not have the neutral court advantage they normally have had this season. WVU will bring a ton and you better believe ND and WSU fans will cheer against UK, too.
10. All things considered, this region isn't too tough for UK. There are tough matchups for the Cats but none in this region. Doesn't mean they can't be beaten by any of these three teams, but UK would have to contribute to its own demise.
11. Duke looks great in my opinion. And the right side of the bracket doesn't. I feel good about having Duke in the title game, think the Blue Devils have no trouble getting there.
12. The East is tire fire, taking place in a dumpster. Have fun in Syracuse, Louisville, NC State, MSU and Oklahoma. What an awful trip that place was in 2010. None of these four teams can win the title and sadly one will be in Indianapolis.
13. Give me the winner of MSU or Oklahoma in Indy. Louisville may beat NC State but won't have enough offense left.
14. The West will be wild. Still like Arizona but obviously Wisconsin will be a tough out. So will UNC. Hell, Xavier has looked good too. Can't wait for those games.
15. I don't mind the lack of Cinderellas this year, because we're going to see a lot of fun exciting games. I'd say of eight Sweet 16 games, six could come right down to the wire. Will be a fun weekend.
16. This time next week we'll be talking about UK's Final Four matchup. Enjoy.
1. Kentucky played its C, maybe C+ game in two games at the KFC Yum! Center, won both games comfortably. Defensive game was closer to a B+ but as a whole it was not a pair of great performances for the Cats.
2. That being said, I'm not convinced UK can't play its C+ game in Cleveland and find two wins. Obviously the Cats could make it easier on themselves and play well and blow both teams out, but I'm not buying the notion "UK has to play better to advance."
3. West Virginia is lucky to be in this game and its luck runs out Thursday. Barely survived Buffalo and took a narrow win over a Maryland team without its second best player for the majority of the second half. And Maryland played AWFUL. Still had chances.
4. Cats will turn it over, sure, but it won't matter. I actually don't think you'll see West Virginia trap as much as they have had all season. The Mountaineers will pressure, but with Kentucky being so big, trapping will lead to slam after slam.
5. Why so many articles and predictions about WVU possibly beating UK? Because this happens every Sweet 16 game. Think about it. People spun Cornell possibly beating UK in 2010. A week break will make people say stupid things.
6. Cats will have a roll game in Cleveland. I know I mentioned UK could play its C+ game and win, and it can, but in at least one game this weekend you'll see vintage Kentucky just pound someone from start to finish.
7. UK fans should cheer for Wichita State. Sure they'd play the revenge card, but the Shockers don't have the size (Notre Dame doesn't either, but they have more of it) and really just have two players that can beat you on offense. Also, there would be more hype around that game. UK remembers last year. They wouldn't take the Shockers lightly.
8. Disappointed UK plays another late game. The team, and John Calipari, said the late start last Thursday was a reason they weren't crisp. Let's see if that's the case a week later.
9. If you're a UK fan thinking about going to Cleveland, GO. The Cats could use your support and it will be an awesome atmosphere. Cats also may not have the neutral court advantage they normally have had this season. WVU will bring a ton and you better believe ND and WSU fans will cheer against UK, too.
10. All things considered, this region isn't too tough for UK. There are tough matchups for the Cats but none in this region. Doesn't mean they can't be beaten by any of these three teams, but UK would have to contribute to its own demise.
11. Duke looks great in my opinion. And the right side of the bracket doesn't. I feel good about having Duke in the title game, think the Blue Devils have no trouble getting there.
12. The East is tire fire, taking place in a dumpster. Have fun in Syracuse, Louisville, NC State, MSU and Oklahoma. What an awful trip that place was in 2010. None of these four teams can win the title and sadly one will be in Indianapolis.
13. Give me the winner of MSU or Oklahoma in Indy. Louisville may beat NC State but won't have enough offense left.
14. The West will be wild. Still like Arizona but obviously Wisconsin will be a tough out. So will UNC. Hell, Xavier has looked good too. Can't wait for those games.
15. I don't mind the lack of Cinderellas this year, because we're going to see a lot of fun exciting games. I'd say of eight Sweet 16 games, six could come right down to the wire. Will be a fun weekend.
16. This time next week we'll be talking about UK's Final Four matchup. Enjoy.
