Georgia Preview

Sorry for the lack of updates, but here on some thoughts on the UT loss and tonight's game at Georgia:

First, the Tennessee loss. That game was always going to be incredibly difficult, and in speaking to some people before the game, I said that the chances of losing were about 50/50. That being said, the way the game played out was both good and bad for the Cats.

It was terrible to see our shooters struggle so badly from behind the arc, but it was equally as impressive to see the team come back to tie the game after being down 19 in an incredibly hostile environment. The critics have come out in recent weeks giving the Cats no chance to win the title because of their lack of consistent 3-point shooting, but I think what it really boils down to is shot selection.

This Kentucky team can beat anyone, anywhere, anytime, and it doesn't matter if we shoot 3's or not. There have been games this year when Liggins, Dodson, and Miller have combined to make 8 or 10 threes, and there have been games like Saturday when the team has combined for 2 or 3, but the bottom line is this team generally finds a way to win.

If it's obvious early on that our shooters aren't hot, we need to pound the ball inside and let Cousins and Patterson dominate the game. The only problem is that the Cats haven't done that; quite contrarily, they continue to put up long range shots when they should be pounding the ball into the post or driving to the basket.

On to tonight's game, a very tough road contest at Georgia.

• Georgia has beaten every team in the SEC East except Kentucky. Obviously, this team is capable of beating just about anyone, and so it's certainly important to come out and show some intensity early on in the game.
• The play of the big guys down low will be important for both teams, especially since Georgia is one of the few teams in the conference that can match up, at least size wise, with the Cats. Trey Thompkins is averaging over 18 points and 8 boards a game, so his battle with Cousins should be fun to watch.
• Proving that this team can bounce back from a loss will certainly be on the mind of the players, but I think Coach Cal will have his boys focused and ready to play when they step on the floor.
• A win will clinch at least a share of the SEC title, with Vandy's win at Florida last night keeping the pressure on the Cats at the top of the table. Calipari has said the title is "meaningless," but I don't think he would be opposed to capturing Kentucky's 44th regular season SEC championship.

I think we get that share of the title tonight. Cats by 8.