TicketsAfter a good defensive performance over the weekend in a 55-35 win over Dartmouth, UC welcomes the Kentucky Wildcats to Fifth Third Arena tomorrow. The Bearcats will be looking to avenge last year's 58-55 defeat at Kentucky.
At 7-0 already this season, expect a very athletic team to challenge the Bearcats offense with a very physical press. "They really try to take away every pass," assistant coach LaRita Wilcher said. "We have to make sure we play Bearcat basketball, staying composed and under control."
This could be an issue. UC will have to find a way to hold on to the ball, something they have had trouble with at times this season. Turnovers will certainly lead to points for Kentucky, and this is one game where UC can't afford to be giving up any extra points. Kentucky's offense is just too good.
Kentucky will also try to ramp up the tempo, according to Wilcher. Cincinnati will need to remain at a pace where they can control the game, rather than playing to Kentucky's pace. Trying to play fast will lead to a lot of turnovers: the Wildcats are forcing 23.6 turnovers per game so far this year.
Slowing things down will also allow UC's stout defense to take over and hold Kentucky below its season average of 82.3 points per game. That average is the highest in the SEC conference. If The Bearcats fail to do this, look out: Kentucky has a lot of offensive weapons.
Kentucky has a legitimate star in F Victoria Dunlap (19.7 ppg, 11.0 rpg), and much of their success will depend on being able to contain her and force the Wildcats to look for production elsewhere.
This begins an intense three-day stretch for Cincinnati. Tomorrow vs. Kentucky and Sunday vs. Xavier will be games similar to Big East games, compared to the easier competition the Bearcats have faced so far this year. Both these teams are very good, and how well UC performs will help gauge how prepared they are to take on Big East competition later this season.