The Kentucky Wildcats are set to face the Vanderbilt Commodores in their first game of the SEC Tournament after receiving a double bye. Vanderbilt is coming off a win against LSU and split the season series with Kentucky, most recently winning on Kentucky’s Senior Night last week. This matchup offers Kentucky the opportunity to avenge their loss and move into the semifinals for another Quad 1 victory. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt could move onto the right side of the bubble with a win, increasing their chances of making it into the NCAA Tournament.
The absence of Vanderbilt’s Liam Robbins, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, should give Kentucky an advantage in the paint. However, in their previous matchup, Kentucky failed to take advantage of this opportunity, scoring only 18 points in the paint. Kentucky’s game plan should focus on getting the ball inside and converting while making free throws. Ball movement has been crucial to Kentucky’s success in recent games, with the Wildcats achieving 14 or more assists in five of their last seven games. Kentucky needs to shoot better than they did in their previous loss to Vanderbilt, where they shot less than 25% from the field and less than 20% from three.
Injuries have plagued Kentucky’s season, with key players like CJ Fredrick, Cason Wallace, and Sahvir Wheeler missing time. Wallace is expected to return, and there is a possibility that Wheeler could return as well. However, Fredrick is playing through an injury.
The game will take place at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, and will be broadcasted on the SEC Network. Kentucky fans are expected to attend, with a potential for more fans if the Wildcats make it to the semifinals or finals. Both teams are familiar with each other, having played twice this season, so it will be interesting to see how they adapt their game plans.
The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.
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