Game Thread: Providence vs. Kentucky

[Will Lavender]

Here we go into what could be a redemption tour for UK...or a rewind to last year's nightmare. I'm not telling anybody anything they don't know, but this could go either way.

Providence comes in reeling, having lost four of their last five and not looking like the top 10 team they did early in the season. Kentucky isn't playing its best basketball either, having lost two of three with two of those losses to an NIT team. These teams statistically look pretty similar--both high-scoring, both suspect defensively--but you would hope Oscar Tshiebwe down low and Kentucky's ability to hit the glass will be what wins this for us. Also Kentucky is healthy(ish) for the first time in weeks, so that might be a difference.

The game is at 7:10 on CBS. Ian Eagle and Jim Spanarkle on the call.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm no expert by any means, but I have a good feeling about this game. I actually believe the Cats are, by far, the better team. Now, whether or not they'll show it is up to them.

[Will Lavender]

If Kentucky is the better team it's definitely not by far. The statistics are pretty even. Providence does a couple of things better: they average more ppg than us, for instance. Also a very good free throw shooting team, one of the best in the field.

I think their recent play might be more about Cooley making the move than anything. In January they were probably one of the 12 or 14 best in the country. They slipped recently. I hope we see the team they've been recently tonight.

[Matt Dillon]

If Kentucky is the better team it's definitely not by far. The statistics are pretty even. Providence does a couple of things better: they average more ppg than us, for instance. Also a very good free throw shooting team, one of the best in the field.

I think their recent play might be more about Cooley making the move than anything. In January they were probably one of the 12 or 14 best in the country. They slipped recently. I hope we see the team they've been recently tonight.

It goes w/o saying that you keep up with bb more than I do (by far) Will, but I honestly feel when we get a good matchup and, I feel like this is one, this team can be as good as they want to be. I don't know what the problem is, but there are times when they play like they'd rather be doing something else.

[KCKUKFan]

It'll probably be close the entire game, my blood pressure will go through the roof, and then we'll crap the bed at the end.

I say that and we win by 25.

[KCKUKFan]

The good news is that Ian Eagle is on the call. Win for us.

[Pobilly]

GOOD LUCK CATS! Am going to my brothers house again today to watch games on 3 TV's.

[Pobilly]

GOOD LUCK CATS! Am going to my brothers house again today to watch games on 3 TV's.

Will actually try to watch the game live tonight. Hope all have a fun and blessed Friday and enjoy the games!!!!

[TrueblueCATfan]

I'm nervous...nothing surprises me about this team

GO CATS!!!!!!!

[justford]

If Kentucky is the better team it's definitely not by far. The statistics are pretty even. Providence does a couple of things better: they average more ppg than us, for instance. Also a very good free throw shooting team, one of the best in the field.

I think their recent play might be more about Cooley making the move than anything. In January they were probably one of the 12 or 14 best in the country. They slipped recently. I hope we see the team they've been recently tonight.

How much does the competition each team plays against factor into the numbers comparison?

[KCKUKFan]

GOOD LUCK CATS! Am going to my brothers house again today to watch games on 3 TV's.

America!

[Will Lavender]

How much does the competition each team plays against factor into the numbers comparison?

A lot.

But Providence and Kentucky have similar SOS's. Kentucky's is about 20 points higher, which is pretty negligible.

[CATHYnKY]

They desperately need to win this game for the sake of the program and fans. Last year was so disappointing

[bigbluebob]

I'm hoping the debacle in Nashville was a blessing......the team is rested, healthier and ready to go!

[Will Lavender]

They desperately need to win this game for the sake of the program and fans.

Yes. There's been a lot of talk about the pressure on Bryce Hopkins and how that might get to him in this game.

Well, there's way more pressure on Kentucky and Calipari. Way more. This is probably the biggest game of the Cal era minus the Final Four games.