UNC Basketball vs. Kentucky: Game Discussion

We are just moments away from the Tar Heels facing off against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena. UNC has historically struggled when playing Kentucky on their home court, currently holding a 2-5 record. Optimistically, this year’s team feels like one that shouldn’t be super rattled by the road environment, but also Rupp Arena is about as hostile as they come. This is especially true when considering the fact that Kentucky fans aren’t huge fans of the Triangle teams that blew up their NCAA Tournament plans in historic fashion.

Between the two teams, it is hard to say who has the most to prove. Both teams hold L’s that were delivered by Michigan State, though Kentucky lost to Louisville as well. The Heels have the most to lose in this game, though, because there aren’t really any resume-padding non-conference games left after tonight. They will have to rely on a shaky ACC schedule if they would like to comfortably make their way into the Big Dance, which is a risky proposition. Could they beat Duke or Louisville? It’s too soon to say, but winning against Kentucky tonight would make it slightly less critical to do so.

The most important key to the game tonight will be the Heels returning to their inside-out game. They let Michigan State dictate how the game was played in Florida, and ultimately that is what led to them losing. While the defense wasn’t great, UNC took a number of bad shots instead of letting Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar work inside. If they can show dominance in the paint early in the game, the three-pointers will be there waiting for them…as long as they can knock them down.

Feel free to hang out with us in the comments section, and of course, we will be back after the game with post-game analysis and takes. Until then, Go Heels!