No.8 Kentucky(15-3)(5-1) has played great basketball as of late winning their last five game with two consecutive wins over top 25 teams. While No.9 Kansas(16-3)(5-2) had a very nice bounce back win over a ranked Iowa State team.
Why Kentucky Could Win:
Kansas has had a very poor defense this season. The Jayhawks are giving up 78 points a game this season and should be exposed against Kentucky. As the Wildcats have a very deadly offense averaging 80 points a game. Another big point to be made in this game as this game will be in Rupp Arena, which should give Kentucky a huge advantage as Kentucky are 11-0 at home this season while Kansas is 1-3 on the road this season.
Why Kansas Could Win:
Kansas has had a very up and down this season this year with wins over many ranked teams and then a glaring lost last Saturday to a 9-10 West Virginia team. If the Jayhawks want to beat Kentucky that cannot happen as Kentucky is too sound as a team on defense and offense. The Jayhawks are also going to have to play better defense, as right now the Jayhawks are allowing 78 points a game this season which is 110th in the nation.
Players to Watch:
If Kentucky wants to win this game they need Keldon Johnson to keep his great play up. As Johnson has averaged 14 points, five rebounds, and one assist.
If Kansas wants to go on the road and beat Kentucky they need a big game from Dedric Lawson. The junior forward has averaged 19 points, 10 rebounds, and one assist while shooting 52% from the field.
Score Prediction:
With the up and down play of Kansas over the past week, I am gonna go with Kentucky in this game. As the Wildcats offensive weapons will shine in this game against a weak Kansas defense. Wildcats: 80 Jayhawks: 74
Image via: Kentucky.com
