PREVIEW: Kentucky WBB expects ‘dogfight’ against West Virginia
Kentucky Women’s Basketball is currently preparing for its biggest home game of the year thus far. The No. 22 Wildcats (4-1) will face the West Virginia Mountaineers (4-1) at 7 p.m. on Wednesday evening in the Big 12/SEC Challenge. This is the first week of the season the Mountaineers did not make the AP Top 25.
Nonetheless, the ‘Cats are heading Wednesday’s matchup with a March mindset.
Let’s chat about Kentucky’s upcoming challenge.
What’s up with West Virginia?
Coming off a loss against No. 21 BYU, the Mountaineers are hungry to get back in the win column. Led by veteran head coach Mike Carey, the Mountaineers are averaging 73.8 points per game, while holding their opponents to an average of just 47.4.
Not only do the Mountaineers hold their ground on defense, they push back. West Virginia’s opponents are averaging 27.4 turnovers per game this season. West Virginia capitalizes on their enemy’s errors. The Mountaineers are averaging a jaw-dropping 29 points per game off opponent mistakes. If the ‘Cats aren’t careful, they could be another figure for the Mountaineers to boast.
West Virginia may be able to give pressure, but it’s questionable if they can handle it. Against their only ranked opponent of the season in BYU, the Mountaineers choked away 23 possessions. If West Virginia doesn’t like pestering defenses, they’re going to hate the ‘Cats.
Though the Mountaineers undoubtedly have some faults, they have just as many strengths. Junior KK Deans is one of those strong spots. The 5-foot-8 guard is leading the team in scoring this season with 15 points per contest, while shooting 38% from beyond the arc. Further, Deans easily leads the Mountaineers in minutes, with the next closest player averaging seven fewer minutes per game.
Deans isn’t alone in her impressive individual statistics. Junior forward Esmery Martinez is averaging 13.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Filling in the supporting roles, veterans Jasmine Carson and Ari Gray both average 7.8 points per contest.
Obviously, the Mountaineers have skill. Yet, perhaps the most imposing aspect of West Virginia is the team’s height. The team has six players who stand at 6-foot-2 or taller. For a squad that is already undersized, Kentucky has their work cut out for them. So, how will they conquer the Mountaineers?
Keys for Kentucky WBB
As hungry as the Mountaineers may be for victory, the Wildcats are probably hungrier. In their first ranked matchup of the season against Indiana, the ‘Cats fell apart and lost by 21 points to Top 10 Indiana. They don’t intend on letting disaster strike twice, especially not at home.
“You have to protect home. It’s a sacred place,” Elzy said during a news conference on Tuesday. “We learned a lot from the Indiana game. We made some mistakes that we had to go back and correct. Every game is a learning opportunity.”
Although the ‘Cats are students of the game, they aren’t looking for any moral lessons on Wednesday night. Coming off of two back-to-back blowout wins over Winthrop and La Salle, Kentucky Women’s Basketball is more confident than ever.
Elzy discussed some things her team improved upon during the Wildcats’ past two contests.
“We took a step forward in our transition defense,” Elzy said. “But, really have focused on our half-court execution. West Virginia is going to bring a lot of pressure. So, really have worked on the timing, the spacing and really taking what the defense gives us.”
Kentucky’s offense is certainly functioning at a high level. Heading into their contest against West Virginia, the ‘Cats boast four players averaging double-digit scoring: Rhyne Howard, Dre’Una Edwards, Robyn Benton and Jada Walker. The ‘Cats will need their four-headed monster to show up against the Mountaineers’ defensively-apt squad.
Kentucky’s offense is starting to meet Elzy’s standards, but their rebounding still has a ways to go. Kentucky Women’s Basketball tied a far-inferior La Salle squad in rebounds during their last contest. Even worse, they lost the battle of the offensive boards. If the ‘Cats defensive dam can’t hold off La Salle, West Virginia may swamp Kentucky’s paint.
Fortunately for BBN, Elzy’s been working hard all week to address this issue.
“We have to be more aggressive; show a little more resistance in the paint,” Elzy said. “We cannot run under the rim. Find a body, box out and we’re committed to doing that.”
Kentucky’s bigs will get some welcomed help from Nyah Leveretter. The 6-foot-3 sophomore has been cleared to play for the first time this season, after being sidelined early by a non-related COVID illness. With an extra ‘Cat ready to claw at the opponent, Kentucky should be equipped to take on West Virginia.
Looking toward the matchup
This contest will be West Virginia’s first true road game this year; a scary recipe when considering the ‘Cats are undefeated in Memorial Coliseum this season. Kentucky will be aiming for revenge from the two teams’ last matchup up in 2005 when West Virginia defeated the ‘Cats in double overtime. Simply put, the Wildcats are ready for a war.
“[The Mountaineers] are well-coached, they are tough, they are aggressive defensively and it will be a dogfight for the ‘Cats tomorrow.”
Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET in Memorial Coliseum. The game will be broadcast on SEC Network+.
Discuss This Article
Comments have moved.
Join the conversation and talk about this article and all things Kentucky Sports in the new KSR Message Board.
KSBoard