Looking beyond in-state rivalry
UK, Louisville play today, but focus on conference games.
IdentityLEXINGTON, KY.— seems more important right now for No. 12 Kentucky and 16th-ranked arch-rival Louisville than claiming Bluegrass bragging rights.
The winner of today’s annual showdown, this year at Rupp Arena, can take a big step in that process, along with giving their fan base something to feel good about entering conference play.
The talented and young Wildcats (9-2), replacing seven players who turned pro after last season, are still finding their way after opening No. 2 in the Top 25. They face an 11-1 Louisville squad with something to prove as well, and Kentucky junior guard Dominique Hawkins believes that beating another quality opponent provides more motivation than the rivalry.
“We know that they’re a great pressing team and I’m pretty sure that’s what we’re going to prepare for,” the Richmond, Ky., native said of the Cardinals. “It’s just another game and we’re just looking to win.”
While that may be underplaying it a little, if theWildcats are going to come away with a victory, they’ll have to beat a Cardinals team that might be even hungrier than Ohio State. The Buckeyes were unfazed by Kentucky’s height and hype in their 74-67 win last week in Brooklyn, N.Y. Ohio State led throughout and withstood a second-half rally led by Jamal Murray’s 33-point explosion.
Impressive as Murray’s game was, Kentucky coach John Calipari seeks more offensive contributions. A presence in the middle will be needed on both ends against the quick, physical Cardinals.
As Kentucky works to establish continuity, its inside game could be helped this weekend with the recent addition of 6-foot-10, 255-pound forward TaiWynyard from New Zealand. He has only had a couple of workouts and Calipari has been coy about whether he’ll play today.
“We’ve got things that we’ve got to do,” Calipari said. “We’re still tweaking offensively exactly how we have to play. I saw some good stuff in the second half of that game (Ohio State). But, we’re a ways away.”
Louisville began the season unranked with a made-over roster of youngsters as well, but has quickly grown into a group looking to be competitive in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The Cardinals enter the game leading the nation in scoring margin at plus30.2 points per game and ranked sixth in field goal percentage (.519).
Friday’s results
No. 3 Oklahoma vs. Harvard at Honolulu:
Late
(At) Hawaii 79,
Auburn 67: Kareem Canty had 22 points, and Bryce Brown added 20, but the Tigers (6-5) lost to the host RainbowWarriors (9-2) in the thirdplace game of the Diamond Head Classic. Roderick Bobbitt finished with 30 points for Hawaii.