Joe Lunardi just said on ESPN that the last time Kentucky was in an 8/9 game they went to The Final Four. He appeared to be very optimistic about the Cats making a run and he seemed to believe that The Cats could be peaking at the right time.
Are the Cats destined to make a run? They are certainly trending that way.
After everything these guys have been through this year and all the in-fighting within BBN it would only be poetic justice for this team to make a run deep into the tournament. The team is looking really good down the stretch with Chris Livingston stepping up his game and making big plays in games. In the game against Florida, with less than a minute to go and Kentucky leading by two, Livingston pulled down an offensive rebound, scored, and got fouled, converting the resulting free throw to put his team up 77-72. Livingston dominated the boards and had a career night on the boards with 15 and dropped in 11 points. A stellar performance.
Recent SEC Freshman of the Week, Cason Wallace, is still the steady hand on the court, game after game. During the Florida game there was a scary incident with a fan that ended in the fan and his group being removed from the game. Despite the scene, Wallace finished his trip to Gainesville with 8 points, 6 assists, going 4-4 from the line despite having 6 turnovers in the game. He’s still steady for the Wildcats.
Two Wildcats still remain out, CJ Frederick and Sahvir Wheeler. It almost feels like Coach Cal will stick with his current rotation once these two come back from injuries. Not sure why he would even try to give either many minutes with the way his current rotation is having success. Just doesn’t make sense. The current lineup is finally getting some big wins and look to be coming together.
Will they make a run? Only time will tell. Joe Lunardi’s unassuming prediction for the Cats making the Final Four on ESPN suggests that the upcoming stretch could result in thrilling moments for BBN.
The Cats return to Rupp to host the Auburn Tigers on Saturday. Tipoff is at 4 p.m. and the game can be seen on CBS.
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