catmandoo
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posted 12-16-2014 01:00 PM
You might not agree but I think they got number 1 right.
While the talk of an undefeated season is still ludicrous—just think how hard it is to go 40-0—there's plenty of time for this discussion due to the talented Kentucky roster and number of games left to play. The Wildcats still have rivalry games, a neutral-site game and a whole slate of conference games to play.
We'll take a look at the five most important games remaining for the Wildcats. Whether it's a tough game or one that could mark a milestone, there's no doubt Kentucky has circled these games on its calendar.
5. January 24th at South Carolina
Call this game an exorcising of the demons. Yes, the picture above is from last year. Yes, it's from Kentucky's game at South Carolina—an embarrassing loss for the Wildcats and a game that saw head coach John Calipari get ejected.
The Gamecocks defeated Kentucky 72-67 in last year's battle in Columbia. They handed the Wildcats their eighth loss in what looked to be like a lost season for a talented roster. However, after the game, Aaron Harrison promised that there would still be a storybook ending for the Wildcats, and he sure did deliver.
This season, expect more of the same. Kentucky will be ranked, while South Carolina will be fighting to be close to .500. Expect Vegas to set the line with Kentucky as the heavy favorite. Expect Frank Martin to be mad.
However, expect Kentucky to dominate. This might be a revenge game for those on the roster from last season, so look for them to take it out on South Carolina come January.
4. December 20th UCLA
When you think of college basketball, two programs that are commonly listed as the best are UCLA and Kentucky. These two programs square off this Saturday in a neutral-site game at Chicago in the CBS Sports Classic.
The Bruins are struggling so far this year, sitting at 8-3 after losing a home game to Gonzaga over the weekend. They have also lost neutral-site games against Oklahoma and North Carolina. However, it's still UCLA, and there's still plenty of talent on the roster.
This is an important game for Kentucky due to the name factor and a weak SEC. The Wildcats need to rack up as many quality wins in the nonconference schedule in case there's any slip during conference play in order to help seal a No. 1 seed come March.
3. February 28 Arkansas
Let's not forget what Arkansas did last season against Kentucky. It was a clean sweep for the Razorbacks in two memorable games.
Playing in Fayetteville, the Razorbacks used a tip-in dunk at the buzzer of overtime by Michael Qualls to upset the Wildcats. Then, having no fear of playing at Rupp Arena, Arkansas took Kentucky to overtime again and defeated the then-No. 17 Wildcats 71-67.
Arkansas is currently looking like the second-best team in the SEC, at least until Florida gets healthy and starts clicking on all cylinders. This is the only time the Wildcats will see the Razorbacks, and Kentucky can't let a home game slip against a team like this.
2nd March 7th Florida
The game against Florida on March 7 in Rupp Arena needs almost no explanation as to why it's on this list.
In SEC basketball, two teams constantly contend for the title: the Kentucky Wildcats and Florida Gators. There's a sense of hatred between the two programs every time they take the floor against each other, regardless of the roster and records.
More importantly for Kentucky, it's senior night. Now, no seniors on the Kentucky roster play serious minutes, but every team in the world wants to win its last home game. This is the last chance to make a statement before postseason play and a game that could mean something in the SEC standings.
Florida has struggled so far with just a 6-4 record. But, the Gators have suffered plenty of injuries and suspensions in the early part of the season. Expect Billy Donovan to have his team playing to the best of its ability come early March.
1st December 27th against Louisville
No kidding, right?
The best rivalry in college basketball. Two Top 10 teams. The best nonconference game in all of college hoops this season.
It's a no-brainer that this is the biggest game for Kentucky going forward. The Cardinals have the best chance to hand Kentucky a loss and win the in-state rivalry this year.
If you're a college basketball fan and in front of a TV on December 27, you better be watching this game. Expect a lot of intensity, pressure defense and pure hatred from the opposition.
Link
[ 12-16-2014, 03:51 PM: Message edited by: catmandoo ]
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posted 12-16-2014 01:08 PM
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posted 12-16-2014 01:12 PM
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