Tennessee's Frontcourt Could Be The Key Against Kentucky
Following their big win over Alabama, the Volunteers have a major test incoming on Saturday. The Vols play the rival Kentucky Wildcats for the second time this season. This time, in Rupp Arena.
The first matchup between the two teams happened about a month ago in Thompson-Boling Arena. The Wildcats got the win in the game, 63-56. It was Tennessee's first SEC loss of the now four that they have.
The two teams are miles different from that previous game a month ago. The Volunteers are now third in the SEC (9-4), and Kentucky sits fifth in the SEC (8-5). The Wildcats are also one of the first four teams out of the tournament, according to ESPN.com's Joe Lunardi.
While the Vols are coming off a win against the No. 1 Crimson Tide, Kentucky comes off a close defeat of Mississippi State, 71-68. This also ended a two-game losing skid the Wildcats had, much like what the Vols had before the win over Alabama.
The big story for Kentucky on Wednesday night was Oscar Tshiebwe. The forward finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds, a double-double against Michigan State. He also recorded a double-double (15 points, 13 rebounds) in Kentucky's win against Tennessee on January 14. Guarding him could be the key to sneaking out of Rupp with a win. Tennessee center Uros Plasvic had a career game in the loss against the Wildcats with 19 points (career-high) on 9-11 (82%) shooting from the field.
The matchup between the schools' big men will be a must-watch on Saturday. The rebound margin is something to keep an eye on for the Vols. They were out-rebounded 43-23 in the first matchup between the two teams. Josiah-Jordan James led the Vols in rebounds on Jan. 14 with 5.
Tennessee's leading rebounder Jonas Aidoo will need to step up once again to help flip the script this go-around in Lexington. The 6-11 sophomore had a double-double (12 points, 11 rebounds) in the Vols' win on Wednesday. It was the first double-double of his career.
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