Josh White
Kentucky Wildcats vs. South Carolina Gamecocks
Saturday, February 4, 2012, Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC
6:00 PM Tipoff
Don’t look now, but the Cats are starting to play some inspired basketball. In terms of a complete, all-around game, Kentucky is hitting its stride and kicking it into high gear. They’re even playing better on the road, which is no doubt a sight for the sore eyes of the fans, who had until recently watched these young Cats struggle against lesser talent on the road. They’ll look to keep that road momentum going against a struggling South Carolina team.
Although things are somewhat bleak in Columbia at the moment (9-10 overall, 1-6 in SEC play), one thing you can always count on from the Gamecocks is the playing of Darude’s “Sandstorm” anytime anything good happens. I’m convinced people in South Carolina play it for any positive occasion. I can imagine instead of playing the traditional lullaby when a baby is born, the hospital no doubt blasts Sandstorm over the sound system. Just wait, if the Gamecocks even show the slightest HINT of a run, they’ll play it over and over until someone’s ears start bleeding.
Not much has changed with the Gamecocks since Kentucky beat them 79-64 on January 7th. The team is still led in scoring by senior forward Malik Cooke, who’s averaging 12.5 points per game. He struggled against Kentucky in their last meeting, scoring 11 points on 5-for-14 from the field. He did grab six big rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to help his team overcome a 15-point deficit at the end. USC’s biggest name, two-sport star Bruce Ellington, stuggled mightily against the Cats that day, scoring a dismal 8 points on 3-for-13 shooting. If South Carolina were to have a decent chance to pull an upset, it will take improved play from their core group of players.
PREDICTION: Kentucky looked really good against South Carolina’s press last month, Terrence Jones in particular, making plays and using their athleticism to impose their will. South Carolina is known for its hostile home base (as well as that blasted Sandstorm song we talked about earlier). Coach Darrin Horn is no dummy, and has no doubt played the team that game tape over and over again until their heads hurt. In the end, the Gamecocks will be overmatched once more, and should take another big win.
Kentucky 71, South Carolina 57
