By: Tyler Adkins
For the second time in three years, the Bluegrass Battle will be played out in the NCAA tournament. The most intense rivalry in America, sorry Duke/UNC, is going to be watched by millions across the world. The two coaches do not like each other no matter what they say. The players do not like each other. The fans hate each other. Rick Pitino is 11-0 in Sweet 16's. John Calipari is 5-1 against Pitino since he came to UK and is looking for his 4th Elite Eight in 5 years at UK. Enough of a primer? I thought so.
With that, let's get to the things to watch for:
*Julius Randle
Randle looked to be unstoppable against Louisville in the first match-up, until cramps stopped him. Randle played almost none in the second half of the UK win in December after dropping 17 points in the first half. If Randle gets going, there is no one who can stop him except possibly Harrell. Harrell is the key for Louisville. He has to stay out of foul trouble because after him there is a major drop off in talent and ability in the front court. Randle playing great forced him into foul trouble in the first game and allowed UK to coast without UK's best player for a half. Randle needs to be aggressive from the tip and either force Harrell into foul trouble or dominate the game because he is backing off. I am looking for 15-12 from Randle.
*Handle the press
Everyone talks about the Louisville press causing problems for UK; but no one really talks about why it didn't cause problems when they played in December. The reason is simple: for the big UK guards, it is like being pressured by quick middle-school kids. The UK guards are 6-6 and above, the UL guards are 5-11 and below. That is at minimum at 7 inch difference in height per man, and more in some cases. UK was able to see over the traps in December and find the open man, and I expect to see them do the same tonight. The problem is if they try to dribble through the press. UL is too quick to try to dribble through the press with the UK guards. If UK passes the ball well on the press you should see another low turnover night again from UK. I am looking for 10 turnovers or less.
*Lock up Luke
Luke Hancock is the reigning Final Four MVP and is a great shooter, but, he is not a very good player unless a team leaves him wide open on the perimeter. Simply put, Luke is not a threat to beat any of our guards off the dribble and cannot create his own shot. If he is hounded on the perimeter and not given open looks, he will be a non-factor in this game and that will completely stymie the Louisville offense. Its offense is already limited to mainly guard production and Harrell: take away Hancock and there are not many options left. I am looking for Hancock to have 8 or fewer points.
That is all for today. As always, Go Big Blue.
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