Big Game, As Always

Well, it's that time of year again. The time when college basketball fans around the country are treated to the most heated and passionate rivalry in college sports.

Sure, some might argue Duke v. UNC or Michigan v. Ohio State (football), but to anyone living in the Bluegrass State, there is no doubt that Kentucky v. Louisville is the most anticipated game of the year.

There are a ton of sub-plots this year, as always, but some of the more intriguing ones include the first UK/UofL matchup at the Yum! Center (or, as some call it, Slick Rick's Chicken Brothel) and how each team plans to cool off the other's red-hot shooters.

The play of the Cats' freshman (as always) will be a huge factor, and hopefully the more experienced players like Miller, Liggins and Harrelson have imparted their wisdom on how to handle this type of game.

Both teams are coming in off blowout victories and have been shooting the ball extremely well lately, so I don't think either coach will want to play zone. It should be an up-tempo, run and gun style of game, a concept that fans of both teams can certainly get behind.

Of course, I'm picking UK to win (by 8), but I think it should be a really entertaining game right from the opening tip.

ND Half Time Thoughts

Couple of thoughts after a really entertaining first half against Notre Dame:

• It was very impressive to see a young Cats team battle back from a double-digit deficit to tie the score at half-time, especially on a neutral floor (wink wink). The poise of these young players is remarkable for an early season game.
• Jon Hood most likely earned himself a spot on the bench for the rest of the game with what could have been the worst minute of basketball by a UK player this season. Hood failed to box out and secure the ball after ND took an ill-advised shot, resulting in an easy stick back. To compound the error, Hood got the ball on the next possession, drove wildly to the lane, spun and had a shot rejected. To top it all off, he fouled the guy who blocked his shot. Bravo, Mr. Hood.
• The winner of this game will be the team that imposes its style on the opponent. Kentucky needs to use their speed and athleticism, given that Knight and Jones are basically unstoppable one-on-one. Notre Dame is going to try and slow the game down and use quick passing to dice up the Cats' D, and it will be interesting to see which group of players asserts their will most effectively.
• Also, it's nice to see that Louisville finally realized that UK owns Freedom Hall and painted the floor the correct colors. But seriously, what school allows its fiercest and most hated rival to come to town and put its logos and colors all over the floor? It's really kind of a head-scratcher.

Looking forward to a great second half, more comments after the game.