UK-Vandy player matchups

Photo source : Wildcatworld.com Centers — Festus Ezili vs. Anthony Davis Ezili is one of the more effective big men in the SEC and has been for about 15 years now. He’s averaging 10 points a game and provides a nice defensive presence inside, but I’m not going to pretend like Davis doesn’t win this matchup hands down. He’s too smart and too athletic. Advantage: Kentucky   Power Forwards — Lance Goulbourne vs. Terrence Jones Goulbourne is averaging 9.2 points and 7 rebounds a game. I’ve only seen Vanderbilt play one or two times this year so I don’t know a whole lot about Goulbourne, except that he will probably have to guard Terrence tonight. Lately, Jones has been more Dr. Jekyll than Mr. Hyde, which is great news for UK fans. I look for Jones to dominate Goulbourne physically, but if Jones relapses tonight this could be a matchup to keep an eye on. Advantage: Kentucky   Small Forwards — Jeffery Taylor vs. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Taylor is Vanderbilt’s second leading scorer at 17.8 points a game and is dangerous from a lot of different spots on the floor. He also looks way too much like Tony Parker of the Spurs. He scores more than MKG, but that’s because Vandy needs him to score more than UK needs MKG to score. This may be the most intriguing matchup of the day, assuming Cal doesn’t put Kidd-Gilchrist on John Jenkins. I predict MKG making Taylor uncomfortable with some physical play and good old fashioned New Jersey trash talking. Advantage: Kentucky, slight   Shooting Guards — John Jenkins vs. Doron Lamb Jenkins is Vanderbilt’s best player and he can really fill it up. He leads the SEC in scoring (19.7 ppg), made 3-pointers (89) and names that begin with the letter J (2). Lamb should hold his own, but he will have his hands full. Advantage: Vandy, slight   Point Guards — Brad Tinsley vs. Marquis Teague Tinsley is a role player that isn’t depended on for too much. Teague should be able to harass him on defense and hopefully create some turnovers. Teague has been making GREAT decisions lately, but tonight could be more of a mental challenge than a physical one. Due to Vandy’s benches being located in the middle of nowhere, Teague will be responsible for remembering up to 5 or 6 plays at a time. He and Cal are both confident in his abilities and he has the opportunity to take a big step forward tonight. Advantage: Kentucky   Kentucky is easily the more talented team, but the main concern tonight comes from Vanderbilt’s home court advantage. I think Cal has the boys prepared to come in and take one on the road. If UK plays how they have been playing lately, it should be like taking “vandy” from a baby. Go Cats. Follow me on Twitter @djackson_KSR