I’m not gonna lie. I’ve sat here for about 15 minutes trying to decide what to write about.
At first, I thought I’d be cool and write about how neat it would be if John Calipari got his “official” 500th win in the finals, since the NCAA would then have to acknowledge him as a 500-game winner and an NCAA champion on the same night. But I realized he only needs 15 wins, so there’s a very good chance he’ll have it before the regular season is over. Thanks for nothing, John.
So instead, I’m left to sit here trying to find something interesting to say (first time for everything, right?) other than just predicting the outcome of the game. But, like Rick Pitino when it comes to the decision of a recruit that he and Calipari both want, I got nothing.
[SIZE=1][I]Nothing but this invisible ladder.[/I]
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So let’s just ask this question: was the Kentucky team we saw Tuesday night the same Kentucky team we’ll see today? You know, the team that jumped out to an early lead and actually kept it. The team that didn’t give Arkansas a chance to get back in the game. The team that had a solid, efficient point guard. The team that got 40 points, 23 rebounds, and 12 blocks from its top two players.
Will they be in Rupp Arena today?
The answer is yes. This team is a different animal when it plays at home. On the road, Kentucky is a turtle. Ugly and slow, although they finish first nearly every time. But at home, this team is a jackalope. Remember the jackalope? It was a wicked killer beast, a fearsome critter, that had a jackrabbit’s body and antelope antlers. It may or may not have eaten Dave Coulier. It also had a saying: “Fast as fast can be, you’ll never catch me.”
[I][SIZE=1]Seen here dressed as Mack Perkins.
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That is fitting for these Cats at home. “Fast as fast can be, you’ll never catch me.” In 2 conference home games, Kentucky averages a 19-point margin of victory. In two road games, that number drops to 9.
Yes, playing on the road is tough, I’m aware of that. But I also have a picture of a toy rabbit with antlers right up there, so remember who you are dealing with. What I’m saying is, Kentucky is more efficient at home. They play smarter, and with more energy than on the road.
In other news, Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur are both dead after being shot in their cars just months apart.
[SIZE=1][I]It was a dispute over who looked coolest in a black vest.[/I][/SIZE]
In all seriousness, I’m excited about this game today. For starters, I’ve thought all along that Alabama would give them the toughest challenge at home, but if Tuesday’s team shows up, I’m not so sure about that, especially considering Alabama played a Thursday night game, then had to turn around and travel. Kevin Stallings is drafting a strongly worded letter as we speak.
I don’t see Kentucky truly being threatened today, but there are some matchups to watch. Tony Mitchell and JaMychal Green are the one-two punch for Alabama, averaging around 14 points and 7 rebounds apiece. After that, it’s Trevor “Don’t call me Travis, he plays for Kansas” Releford, with 12.6 points and 3 assists.
Green will be a good matchup for Anthony Davis, as he has a reputation as a banger. Personally, I think Davis can hold his own, assuming he stays out of foul trouble. Terrence Jones should also do a good job on Tony Mitchell. Speaking of foul trouble, SEC officiating supervisor Gerald Boudreaux will be courtside today, so the referees may actually look competent.
In news from the “Hey, I Forgot All About That Guy!” department, former UK target Trevor Lacey is playing for the Tide. I expect MKG to guard him, as Lacey and Mitchell could be the considered the “shooters” for this team. I use that term on the basis of shots attempted, not shots hit. Mitchell and Lacey have attempted 65 and 61 3-pointers, respectively. The next closest teammate has shot 37. On the flip side, those two are only hitting a combined 37-127, for 29%. On the [I]other[/I] flip side (it’s a three-sided coin. I got it in Nepal), this is Rupp Arena, where opponents have been known to get hot. But, on yet [I]another[/I] flip side (maybe I should’ve used a die instead of a coin), Kentucky held Arkansas’ BJ Young and Mardracus Wade to 1-4 from outside, when they were a combined 64-138 (46%) going into Tuesday’s game.
So what does it all mean? It means Kentucky answers the bell, comes out hot, outrebounds the Tide, and win.
Cats by 12. 80-68.
