This Sunday Kentucky will try to win on the road for only the second time in SEC play this season. It couldn't come at a tougher place to play than Thompson-Boling Arena. Now traditionally, Tennessee isn't known for having the best fan support (women's team excluded) but they always have a huge turn out for the "boys in blue", and Sunday will be no different.
Kentucky has won 13 times in Knoxville, but they have lost 11 times there as well. So that goes to show you that this isn't a very easy place to play. Calipari has said it a million times "we are everyone's Super Bowl" and he's right. It's such a special game for the Vol's Bruce "Coppertone" Pearl breaks out the orange blazer, and UT player Scotty Hopson sent out an E-mail asking people to come out and show support. So you can expect a loud, energized, and obnoxious crowd on Sunday. Kentucky hasn't done well on the road this season 1-6, especially when the crowd seems to be into the game. Let's hope all that changes this weekend.
For that to change Kentucky needs to do some things differently. Tennessee as of today, has lost 5 of their last 7 games and will be looking for redemption. That's the first thing they will have to overcome is a motivated team. The second, they are going to have to play better defense, and keep certain players under control.
First they will have to control Tobias Harris. This kid is a very talented player who is crafty with the ball down low. He has had only two games where he has scored 20 points or more, but don't let that fool you. He is averaging 14.3 ppg, 7.6 rpg, and has the ability to shoot the three. He doesn't do it often, but he can hit from long range which opens up the inside for the Vol's because you have to guard him outside as well. He is also a great passer out of the post averaging 1.4 apg.
The next player to keep an eye on is Melvin Goins. He doesn't put up a lot of points averaging only 8 ppg, but he can score at times. What Goins does best is find the open man for the assist averaging 2.9 apg. He also has the ability to get guys in foul trouble by driving to the basket and drawing the foul. Goins isn't known for three point shooting averaging only 31% behind the arc, but can knock one down if left open.
The one player Kentucky HAS to contain is Kentucky native Scotty Hopson. Hopson can score in so many ways that it's hard to shut him down completely. He is averaging 17.6 ppg, but he is capable of putting up way more than that. He has had 8 games scoring 20 points or more, and has scored over 20 4 of his last 5, so he can put up big numbers. Hopson can hit from outside as well, shooting 39% from long range on the year. This will be a tough match up, but DeAndre Liggins done well in the first match up holding Hopson to only 11 points for the game.
If Kentucky can hold those three players down they should be able to keep this game under control. Kentucky will also have to have better play out of Terrence Jones than what he has shown lately, and cut down on turnovers late in the game.
There is a lot on the line for Kentucky Sunday afternoon as a #2 seed MAY be up for grabs for the SEC tournament. A lot has to happen for Kentucky to get the #2 seed too much to explain but, Kentucky HAS to win Sunday for any chance at that 2 seed and a first round bye.
Also on the line is a better seed for the NCAA tournament, and it will start by wining in Knoxville. Kentucky has got to prove they can win on the road to get a decent seed in the Big Show.
So, first let's hope Tennessee beats South Carolina tonight. Not because it will matter in seeding for the SEC tournament, but to keep from getting a UT team coming off a loss.
Second, enjoy the weekend and get ready for a battle with the orange blazer Sunday.
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