[-STAT-]

The renewal of one of the top rivalries in all of College Basketball. First time for 2 new head coaches. 

Tip-off set for 5:15 at Rupp, can be seen on ESPN. 

Both teams have been hit with injuries to some key players in the early portions of the season. Pryor from Louisville tore his ACL, out for the season, that is a tremendous loss for them, and Kerr is out at least a month to two month with that fractured foot. Expect to see Butler back after the ankle injury he had against Clemson, and he will be sorely needed out there to run the 1, and to provide that tough on ball defense against Chucky Hepburn.

It'll be interesting to see how Kentucky will respond if they shots aren't falling early, one thing that has seemed to work more than anything else is to turning to Andrew Carr, who has proven he can be that player who can go get us a bucket when we need it. 

This is the one we've all been waiting on for a while now, what's everyone's thoughts on it?

[Old School Hound]

Cats should handle the Cards with little problem. Louisville is better but still not very good. A loss to the Cards at Rupp would be devastating for Pope's early momentum as HC. A loss on Saturday would immediately signal the end of Pope's honeymoon with fans. KY can't lose to the awful Cards at home.

I think KY wins by double digits, maybe 10 , maybe 99. Hopefully, closer to the latter.

[Cactus Jack]

I have a bad feeling about this one.

Louisville and Kentucky aren't that far apart in terms of overall talent, but we'll be perceived as large favorite (even if the Vegas line is tighter) and Louisville can play loose and free because they really have nothing to lose.

Louisville isn't a picture of health right now. This was already a transitional roster that wasn't exactly seen as being flush with depth. Now they're without Pryor (ACL), Traore (broken arm), and Koren Johnson (shoulder). Even in the unlikely event that Johnson is back, he hasn't seen game action since early November.

Lately Kentucky hasn't shot the ball with the kind of consistency that they'll need to really make a run. It's much easier to grind out a game with a healthy Butler, but he seems to have a tendency to get in foul trouble even at full speed. Even if he's out there, there's still a chance he's a bit slower and prone to fouling.

I suspect Kentucky will look to switch a bit more defensively. Oweh will get the assignment against Edwards. We can at least see if we're able to hide Brea on Reyne Smith defensively. Could also see Pope trying a big line-up with and tries to funnel everything to the rim, at least for some stretches.

We have more depth than Louisville, but that isn't saying much. They do have some guys who can get really hot and just carry them for extended stretches, so it could be a disappointing evening if we have to spend Oweh on trying to contain someone that just goes off. Butler's situation means we likely have to look to Robinson (or even Chandler) to keep their secondary perimeter scorer in check for extended periods. With no Butler and Kriisa, I don't know how else you could get by with counting on anyone else to show any type of resistance to two legitimate scoring guards playing at a really fast pace.

If Williams has a big game, that's a very good thing for Kentucky's chances. Don't know that this is the kind of game that Carr will thrive in-- Louisville is going to be small and trying to drag him out onto the floor. Maybe he handles it well, maybe he doesn't. More likely that he gets plenty back on duck-ins but struggles if he has to really step out and go against quickness instead of being able to take a step back and wait on them to come to him. Carr is usually an awkward match-up for the opposition, but he won't be against Waterman. I could see this being a game where Garrison steps up and plays really well, but I don't like the thought of having to bank on him at this point in his career.

Ultimately think that knowing what we know at this moment, you favor Kentucky because Louisville is so beat up and we've been the better team on the season as a whole, but I also think that you could take the information we have today and simulate this game 10-20 times and get results all over the board.

[Spud6]

I don't like seeing all the Louisville media posting that their players are saying they came to UL just to play Kentucky and the fans telling them that they could lose every game as long as they beat UK. Could be a recipe for disaster for us but I know Pope is telling these boys how important this game is and we have a very old team so I know they know the rivalries and how important they are to fans and their programs so I think we will be ready.

[TheTruth!]

CATS BY 90

[Old School Hound]

I have a bad feeling about this one.

Louisville and Kentucky aren't that far apart in terms of overall talent, but we'll be perceived as large favorite (even if the Vegas line is tighter) and Louisville can play loose and free because they really have nothing to lose.

Louisville isn't a picture of health right now. This was already a transitional roster that wasn't exactly seen as being flush with depth. Now they're without Pryor (ACL), Traore (broken arm), and Koren Johnson (shoulder). Even in the unlikely event that Johnson is back, he hasn't seen game action since early November.

Lately Kentucky hasn't shot the ball with the kind of consistency that they'll need to really make a run. It's much easier to grind out a game with a healthy Butler, but he seems to have a tendency to get in foul trouble even at full speed. Even if he's out there, there's still a chance he's a bit slower and prone to fouling.

I suspect Kentucky will look to switch a bit more defensively. Oweh will get the assignment against Edwards. We can at least see if we're able to hide Brea on Reyne Smith defensively. Could also see Pope trying a big line-up with and tries to funnel everything to the rim, at least for some stretches.

We have more depth than Louisville, but that isn't saying much. They do have some guys who can get really hot and just carry them for extended stretches, so it could be a disappointing evening if we have to spend Oweh on trying to contain someone that just goes off. Butler's situation means we likely have to look to Robinson (or even Chandler) to keep their secondary perimeter scorer in check for extended periods. With no Butler and Kriisa, I don't know how else you could get by with counting on anyone else to show any type of resistance to two legitimate scoring guards playing at a really fast pace.

If Williams has a big game, that's a very good thing for Kentucky's chances. Don't know that this is the kind of game that Carr will thrive in-- Louisville is going to be small and trying to drag him out onto the floor. Maybe he handles it well, maybe he doesn't. More likely that he gets plenty back on duck-ins but struggles if he has to really step out and go against quickness instead of being able to take a step back and wait on them to come to him. Carr is usually an awkward match-up for the opposition, but he won't be against Waterman. I could see this being a game where Garrison steps up and plays really well, but I don't like the thought of having to bank on him at this point in his career.

Ultimately think that knowing what we know at this moment, you favor Kentucky because Louisville is so beat up and we've been the better team on the season as a whole, but I also think that you could take the information we have today and simulate this game 10-20 times and get results all over the board.

I had a bad feeling when you(as Mankind) was on the top of that cage in the Hell in a Cell against Undertaker.  But Rupp will be no Hell in a Cell and Louisville is no Undertaker. Cats will win easily.

The only way U of L hangs around is if they are shooting lights out from distance. If they are not hitting their threes with a high percentage, KY will roll them.

[jetpilot]

I want to see Louisville basketball great again but no way they come into Rupp tomorrow and win. I'm hoping they don't get embarrassed. I'll go with UK by 16.

[Cactus Jack]

Line opened at -10.5, Over/Under at 157.5, so Vegas is roughly picking an 84-73 win.

[-STAT-]

Some new developments regarding the status of Butler for tomorrow. According to Pope, he was a participant in practice yesterday, but didn't do very much.

Definitely not a good sign, we've seen the highs & lows of not having a true PG the last few games. I'd say he will be a gametime decision, hopefully he will be ready to go.

[Old School Hound]

The Cats won't make a deep run in March without a healthy Lamont Butler.

[King Kong]

Playing for the KY state championship tomorrow baby!

The Cat's should get the win in this one.  It being a rivalry game,  records and everything else can often be thrown out the window.

[Cactus Jack]

I have a bad feeling about this one.

Louisville and Kentucky aren't that far apart in terms of overall talent, but we'll be perceived as large favorite (even if the Vegas line is tighter) and Louisville can play loose and free because they really have nothing to lose.

Louisville isn't a picture of health right now. This was already a transitional roster that wasn't exactly seen as being flush with depth. Now they're without Pryor (ACL), Traore (broken arm), and Koren Johnson (shoulder). Even in the unlikely event that Johnson is back, he hasn't seen game action since early November.

Lately Kentucky hasn't shot the ball with the kind of consistency that they'll need to really make a run. It's much easier to grind out a game with a healthy Butler, but he seems to have a tendency to get in foul trouble even at full speed. Even if he's out there, there's still a chance he's a bit slower and prone to fouling.

I suspect Kentucky will look to switch a bit more defensively. Oweh will get the assignment against Edwards. We can at least see if we're able to hide Brea on Reyne Smith defensively. Could also see Pope trying a big line-up with and tries to funnel everything to the rim, at least for some stretches.

We have more depth than Louisville, but that isn't saying much. They do have some guys who can get really hot and just carry them for extended stretches, so it could be a disappointing evening if we have to spend Oweh on trying to contain someone that just goes off. Butler's situation means we likely have to look to Robinson (or even Chandler) to keep their secondary perimeter scorer in check for extended periods. With no Butler and Kriisa, I don't know how else you could get by with counting on anyone else to show any type of resistance to two legitimate scoring guards playing at a really fast pace.

If Williams has a big game, that's a very good thing for Kentucky's chances. Don't know that this is the kind of game that Carr will thrive in-- Louisville is going to be small and trying to drag him out onto the floor. Maybe he handles it well, maybe he doesn't. More likely that he gets plenty back on duck-ins but struggles if he has to really step out and go against quickness instead of being able to take a step back and wait on them to come to him. Carr is usually an awkward match-up for the opposition, but he won't be against Waterman. I could see this being a game where Garrison steps up and plays really well, but I don't like the thought of having to bank on him at this point in his career.

Ultimately think that knowing what we know at this moment, you favor Kentucky because Louisville is so beat up and we've been the better team on the season as a whole, but I also think that you could take the information we have today and simulate this game 10-20 times and get results all over the board.

I had a bad feeling when you(as Mankind) was on the top of that cage in the Hell in a Cell against Undertaker.  But Rupp will be no Hell in a Cell and Louisville is no Undertaker. Cats will win easily.

The only way U of L hangs around is if they are shooting lights out from distance. If they are not hitting their threes with a high percentage, KY will roll them.

I'm a worrier, but I don't think casuals realize how tough it's going to be if we're looking to Robinson, Brea, or Chandler as our 2nd and 3rd best perimeter defenders against a small, quick team that gets up and down and can shoot it well.

Louisville led Duke 37-33 at half in one of their last games. They also beat a good West Virginia team.

In the grand scheme of things, this game means much more to them than it does us, and they've got no pressure.

This would be a really fun game if both teams were at full strength.

[Old School Hound]

I want to see Louisville basketball great again but no way they come into Rupp tomorrow and win. I'm hoping they don't get embarrassed. I'll go with UK by 16.

Sounds about right to me.

---

I have a bad feeling about this one.

Louisville and Kentucky aren't that far apart in terms of overall talent, but we'll be perceived as large favorite (even if the Vegas line is tighter) and Louisville can play loose and free because they really have nothing to lose.

Louisville isn't a picture of health right now. This was already a transitional roster that wasn't exactly seen as being flush with depth. Now they're without Pryor (ACL), Traore (broken arm), and Koren Johnson (shoulder). Even in the unlikely event that Johnson is back, he hasn't seen game action since early November.

Lately Kentucky hasn't shot the ball with the kind of consistency that they'll need to really make a run. It's much easier to grind out a game with a healthy Butler, but he seems to have a tendency to get in foul trouble even at full speed. Even if he's out there, there's still a chance he's a bit slower and prone to fouling.

I suspect Kentucky will look to switch a bit more defensively. Oweh will get the assignment against Edwards. We can at least see if we're able to hide Brea on Reyne Smith defensively. Could also see Pope trying a big line-up with and tries to funnel everything to the rim, at least for some stretches.

We have more depth than Louisville, but that isn't saying much. They do have some guys who can get really hot and just carry them for extended stretches, so it could be a disappointing evening if we have to spend Oweh on trying to contain someone that just goes off. Butler's situation means we likely have to look to Robinson (or even Chandler) to keep their secondary perimeter scorer in check for extended periods. With no Butler and Kriisa, I don't know how else you could get by with counting on anyone else to show any type of resistance to two legitimate scoring guards playing at a really fast pace.

If Williams has a big game, that's a very good thing for Kentucky's chances. Don't know that this is the kind of game that Carr will thrive in-- Louisville is going to be small and trying to drag him out onto the floor. Maybe he handles it well, maybe he doesn't. More likely that he gets plenty back on duck-ins but struggles if he has to really step out and go against quickness instead of being able to take a step back and wait on them to come to him. Carr is usually an awkward match-up for the opposition, but he won't be against Waterman. I could see this being a game where Garrison steps up and plays really well, but I don't like the thought of having to bank on him at this point in his career.

Ultimately think that knowing what we know at this moment, you favor Kentucky because Louisville is so beat up and we've been the better team on the season as a whole, but I also think that you could take the information we have today and simulate this game 10-20 times and get results all over the board.

I had a bad feeling when you(as Mankind) was on the top of that cage in the Hell in a Cell against Undertaker.  But Rupp will be no Hell in a Cell and Louisville is no Undertaker. Cats will win easily.

The only way U of L hangs around is if they are shooting lights out from distance. If they are not hitting their threes with a high percentage, KY will roll them.

I'm a worrier, but I don't think casuals realize how tough it's going to be if we're looking to Robinson, Brea, or Chandler as our 2nd and 3rd best perimeter defenders against a small, quick team that gets up and down and can shoot it well.

Louisville led Duke 37-33 at half in one of their last games. They also beat a good West Virginia team.

In the grand scheme of things, this game means much more to them than it does us, and they've got no pressure.

This would be a really fun game if both teams were at full strength.

"CAN" is the key word there. If they are on fire from distance this one will be close. IF UK puts the clamps on their 3 pt game, Cats will roll them.

[rookie57]

I have a bad feeling about this one.

Louisville and Kentucky aren't that far apart in terms of overall talent, but we'll be perceived as large favorite (even if the Vegas line is tighter) and Louisville can play loose and free because they really have nothing to lose.

Louisville isn't a picture of health right now. This was already a transitional roster that wasn't exactly seen as being flush with depth. Now they're without Pryor (ACL), Traore (broken arm), and Koren Johnson (shoulder). Even in the unlikely event that Johnson is back, he hasn't seen game action since early November.

Lately Kentucky hasn't shot the ball with the kind of consistency that they'll need to really make a run. It's much easier to grind out a game with a healthy Butler, but he seems to have a tendency to get in foul trouble even at full speed. Even if he's out there, there's still a chance he's a bit slower and prone to fouling.

I suspect Kentucky will look to switch a bit more defensively. Oweh will get the assignment against Edwards. We can at least see if we're able to hide Brea on Reyne Smith defensively. Could also see Pope trying a big line-up with and tries to funnel everything to the rim, at least for some stretches.

We have more depth than Louisville, but that isn't saying much. They do have some guys who can get really hot and just carry them for extended stretches, so it could be a disappointing evening if we have to spend Oweh on trying to contain someone that just goes off. Butler's situation means we likely have to look to Robinson (or even Chandler) to keep their secondary perimeter scorer in check for extended periods. With no Butler and Kriisa, I don't know how else you could get by with counting on anyone else to show any type of resistance to two legitimate scoring guards playing at a really fast pace.

If Williams has a big game, that's a very good thing for Kentucky's chances. Don't know that this is the kind of game that Carr will thrive in-- Louisville is going to be small and trying to drag him out onto the floor. Maybe he handles it well, maybe he doesn't. More likely that he gets plenty back on duck-ins but struggles if he has to really step out and go against quickness instead of being able to take a step back and wait on them to come to him. Carr is usually an awkward match-up for the opposition, but he won't be against Waterman. I could see this being a game where Garrison steps up and plays really well, but I don't like the thought of having to bank on him at this point in his career.

Ultimately think that knowing what we know at this moment, you favor Kentucky because Louisville is so beat up and we've been the better team on the season as a whole, but I also think that you could take the information we have today and simulate this game 10-20 times and get results all over the board.

If we have to depend on garrison we’re in trouble

[King Kong]

The Cat's cut down the nets as KY college state champions baby!

Hat's off to both teams for a heck of a game! Congrats to the Cat's for getting the win.  Hat's off to UofL for not giving up.  Several times it looked liked UK might run away with it,  but UofL kept storming back.  Like Several on here said,  all the 3s UofL hit really kept them in this thing.

[Spud6]

So nice to have Butler back

What happened to Williams and why did he never come back in?

[Bluecat]

Man Butler was huge today. He was a true saving grace in this one. UofL brought their A game in this one. Was actually impressed some with their play. They will win some games in the ACC. Much better rivalry game when they are good.

[Cactus Jack]

I don't think we win this one without Butler.

[-STAT-]

What a game, Louisville definitely brought it, despite all their injuries, they still put out a really good, competitive team, and sure played inspired. You can tell the players play to the identity of their coach, hard-nosed and leave it all out on the floor.

Sure was great to have Butler back, mainly just for his leadership, toughness, and defense, but when you get him scoring 33 points and not missing a single shot from the field? That is just an added incentive. Looks like we have bragging rights for another year, an always electric atmosphere at Rupp for this one, congrats to the Cats and coach Pope, 1-0 in this rivalry.