Kentucky Set to Face Florida in Big Blue Preview

No. 6 Kentucky has been relatively sheltered from the hostile environments of opponents’ home courts so far this season. The Cats’ lone road game took place in Louisville, but the large presence of UK fans neutralized the true road game feel. However, that is all set to change on Saturday when Kentucky makes the trip to Gainesville to face Florida at the Exactech Center, a venue known for its intense atmosphere.
For Kentucky’s freshmen players, this will be their first taste of a real road test. Luckily, they have seasoned teammates who have experienced the challenge of hostile environments before. Tre Mitchell, in particular, knows exactly what to expect from the boisterous Rowdy Reptiles crowd.
“You’ve got to expect to hear absolutely everything,” Mitchell explained. “People are invested in trying to get into people’s minds.”
Mitchell believes that there is a strategic reason behind the fan’s attempts to disrupt the opposition. He says, “When someone is trying to get you out of your game, there’s a reason. There’s a fear of what you could be capable of.”
To Mitchell, road games are not something to be feared, but rather something to relish. He expressed his excitement for away games, stating, “I’ve experienced Rupp Arena and I love it, but I know that wearing this name across your chest brings a whole another level to fan bases. There’s going to be arenas where people don’t show up for their teams all year, and just because we’re coming to town, it’s sold out. It’s just part of the territory and I’m looking forward to it.”
The highly-anticipated matchup between Kentucky and Florida will tip off at 12:30 ET on Saturday. Basketball enthusiasts can catch all the action on ESPN.