Indiana Preview

Tomorrow we get to find out if all the trash talk coming from the IU fanbase is legit, or just something they are trying to convince themselves of.


It seems that national sports writers are also believing that there is an upset brewing in Hoosierville. They may be right, but when was the last time you seen a #1 ranked team get so little respect? Not saying that we are entitled to respect, I know it's earned. But I would have thought beating UNC ( clear contender for the National Title ) would have earned a least a little. Judging by the 3.5 points Kentucky is favored by tomorrow, it seems no one believes in this team except Kentucky fans.


So that got me looking at the national rankings, and what I found was somewhat surprising.

SCORING

Kentucky ranks 15th in the nation averaging 82.4 ppg
Indiana comes in at #7 with 85


3 POINT PERCENTAGE

Kentucky is not in the top 25

Indiana is #4 with 44% from deep


REBOUNDS

Kentucky is ranked 4th with 43.5 rpg

Indiana not ranked in top 25


FIELD GOAL %

Kentucky ranked 23rd with 49%

Indiana is ranked 6th with 52.3 %

STEALS

Kentucky not in the top 25

Indiana is currently 12th with 10.1 spg


BLOCKS

Kentucky is #1 in the country with 10.9 bpg

Indiana not in the top 25


Out of the six main categories, Indiana is ranked higher than Kentucky in four. I know the Hoosiers hasn't had the stiffest competition so far this season, but you still have to respect the numbers. And one thing is for sure, Kentucky must guard the 3 a lot better than it did against UNC last Saturday.

This is Kentucky's first true road test, and you better believe the environment is going to be one of the loudest Kentucky will see all year on the road. They must maintain their composure, limit turnovers, defend the three, and knock down their own outside shots to win this game.

Maybe 3.5 favorite isn't that far off. Only time will tell.