Three keys to victory for the Kentucky Wildcats to beat Troy in the NCAA Tournament

Kentucky has to do these things to beat Troy in the Big Dance.

Feb 8, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope yells to his players during the first half against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images / Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

The NCAA Tournament is set to kick off in a few hours, but the Kentucky Wildcats will get things started on Friday night against the Troy Trojans.

Troy won the Sun Belt Tournament to earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament and will stand in the way of Mark Pope's first win in the Big Dance.

Let's take a look at three things the Kentucky Wildcats have to do in order to take down the Troy Trojans.

Three keys to victory for Kentucky to take down Troy

1. Kentucky has to limit Troy to one-and-done possessions

Mar 8, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Kentucky Wildcats center Amari Williams (22) passes the ball while Missouri Tigers center Josh Gray (33) defends in the second half at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary Rohman-Imagn Images / Gary Rohman-Imagn Images

Troy is ranked 11th in college hoops when it comes to offensive rebounds per game at 13.94. The Trojans aren't a great scoring team, so the way they get points on the board is getting offensive rebounds so they can shoot the ball as much as possible. With this team's struggles shooting, if Kentucky can limit them to one shot per possession, they will win.

2. Kentucky must take care of the basketball

Mar 8, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Lamont Butler (1) dribbles past Missouri Tigers guard Anthony Robinson II (0) in the second half at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary Rohman-Imagn Images / Gary Rohman-Imagn Images

Troy is tied for 54th in the nation when it comes to turnovers created per game at 13.7. Kentucky as a team has struggled to take care of the basketball at times, so this will play a big factor in this game. If the Wildcats turn the ball over a lot, Troy could stick around in this game. Having Lamont Butler back will be a big help in this department.

3. Kentucky must pressure the ball on defense

Oklahoma Sooners guard Kobe Elvis (1) and Kentucky Wildcats guard Otega Oweh (00) go after the ball during their second round game of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, March 13, 2025. / Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Kentucky hasn't been the best when it comes to creating turnovers this season, but if they could create some against Troy, it would be helpful. Despite having a good defense, there is no way Troy can stop Kentucky if they look to score in transition. If the Wildcats get turnovers, this will lead to run-outs, which will lead to points.