Kentucky finally returns to safety of Rupp Arena, bringing with them a three game winning streak after getting revenge in College Station, TX
Kentucky comes into the game with a 15-6 (6-2) record and looking to build on the progress they've made over the last three games. In all three games, Kentucky had the lead just to squander it away, but the difference between now and the first of the season is, Kentucky still pulled out the win in the end. They showed heart, determination and a will to win, things they had been lacking for much of the season.
South Carolina comes in with a 12-9 (2-6) record and have seemed to have trouble grasping the system that first year head coach Frank Martin is trying to get into place. Their last game resulted in a loss at Georgia 67-56. Even though USC has struggled this season, you know they will put up a hell of a fight in Rupp Arena Tuesday night at 9 p.m. on ESPNU.
Here's a little rundown on the history of the Gamecocks...
EST: 1801
LOCATION: Columbia, SC
CAMPUS: 350 acres
COLORS: Garnet/Black
Nickname: Gamecocks
Mascot: Cocky
History against Kentucky: UK46 USC10 Kentucky has won the last five meetings with the last one coming on 2-4-12 86-52. Last loss against the Gamescocks came on 1-26-2010.
NOTABLE ALUMNI:
Lilian Garcia- Class of 1988 (WWE RING ANOUNCER)
Hootie and the Blowfish- (musicians, all four members attended)
Gary Parsons- Class of 1978 (founder of XM satellite radio)
Mike Dunleavy, SR. - (head coach and general manager of the LA Clippers)
BJ Mckie- 1996-1999 (three time all SEC, all time leading scorer at USC)
Melvin Purvis- Class of 1925 (FBI Agent helped capture John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd and Baby Face Nelson)
Here's how the numbers stack up between these two....
USC CATS
PPG: 69 76
RPG: 37 39
APG: 13 15
SPG: 5 7
BPG: 4 8
TPG: 16 13
FG%: 43 48
FT%: 69 64
3P%: 33 36
On paper, Kentucky is the clear favorite in this matchup, but we all know how well that has worked out in the past. If Kentucky comes out, plays ball and doesn't have any lapses on defense, Kentucky should win this one fairly easily. They have got to take better care of the ball than they did against A&M, they cannot have 19 turnovers and expect to keep winning I don't care who the opponent is.
The Cats have been making big strides on improving as a team, no one has improved more during SEC play than Nerlens Noel and Kyle Wiltjer. The rest of the guys have got to get on the same page as these two. We saw signs of it from Harrow, Mays and Poythress, but they need everyone on the same page at the same time. If that would ever happen, this would be a very good team come March.
We will find out if they've learned anything over these last three games come Tuesday night.
No comments:
Post a Comment