Thread: No. 3 Kentucky eases by Long Beach State 86-73 (AP)

Kentucky coach John Calipari knew the hangover was coming. And he knew he couldn't stop it. So rather than yell and scream after the third-ranked Wildcats slogged through the first 20 minutes against Long Beach State on Wednesday, less than 48 hours after celebrating the program's 2,000th win, Calipari simply challenged his players to shake it off.

I don't think this game could have been called "easing" past Long Beach State. The three stars were benched in the first half due to foul trouble and it wasn't until mid way through the second half that the Cats seemed to take the game over. These games make the Cardinals chance next week that much better.

The Wildcats have one more game tomorrow night vs. Hartford before they prepare for the Battle of the Bluegrass. It will be a real unpleasant "Welcome to Kentucky" greeting from Pitino if Calipari don't leave Rupp on Saturday with the win.

Hartford is going to get killed. I predict a final of 87-61.

The Long Beach win wasn't an "easy" win but this one against Hartford is going to be. That backward alley-oop dunk by Wall was sick!

Oh and your 87-61 prediction is going to need a revision. At this point it's looking like 110-70.

Them Hawks got smoked tonight. Louisville has got them covered Saturday though.