PREVIEW: Kentucky WBB looks to get back in win column vs. Tennessee

On3 imageby:Grant Grubbs01/16/22

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If Kentucky Women’s Basketball can capture a fraction of Saturday’s magic at Rupp Arena, they’ll leave Thompson-Boiling Arena victorious.

On Sunday afternoon, the No. 19 Wildcats (8-4) face the No. 5 Tennessee Volunteers (16-1). Tennesee is Kentucky’s third ranked opponent in a row. On Jan. 6, Kentucky kicked off conference play with a win over No. 17 Georgia. Just three days later, UK fell in a 74-54 blowout loss to No. 1 South Carolina.

Fortunately for the ‘Cats, they’ve had a week to recuperate. Kentucky’s contest against Mississippi State on Thursday was postponed due to COVID issues within the Bulldogs’ program.

With a week of preparation, the ‘Cats are ready for the Volunteers. Nonetheless, Tennessee will be a handful. Let’s get to know the opponent.

Talking about Tennessee

The Volunteers already have five SEC games under their belt. More specifically, Tennessee has five SEC wins. Led by head coach Kellie Harper, Tennessee is the last SEC team undefeated in conference play.

The Volunteers’ pristine record is largely thanks to their impressive height. The squad boasts six players who stand 6-foot-2 or taller. In no coincidence, Tennessee averages a +16.3 rebounding margin. Additionally, the Volunteers bring in 50.5 boards per contest, the most in the nation.

On the court, Tennessee is led by junior guard Jordan Horston. The 6-foot-2 star averages 15.5 points and 9.9 rebounds per game. However, Horston isn’t without her faults. Horston is only shooting 36% from the field and 21% from beyond the arc this season.

Adding more height to the equation, 6-foot-6 Tamari Key is an opposing coach’s nightmare. Key contributes 10.4 points and 8.8 rebounds per contest. Moreover, the Tennessee junior averages 3.9 blocks a game, the second-most in the country.

To top it off, Tennessee guard Alexus Dye is a thorn in defenses’ sides. The 6-foot guard averages 10.1 points and 7.9 rebounds per contest. Although Dye is the only other Volunteer who averages double-digit scoring, the team has three other players averaging seven points per game.

While Tennessee can score in bunches, they can’t do it from range. The Volunteers are shooting 28.7% from 3-point land. In fairness, Tenessee knows its weaknesses. Only 20% of the team’s shots are from deep, far less than the vast majority of the country.

Tennessee isn’t a perfect team, but they’re a really good one. Kentucky will have to play one of their best games of the season to put the first black mark on the Volunteers’ conference record.

Keys for Kentucky WBB

Ironically, the most vital thing the ‘Cats can do heading into Sunday’s contest is forget about last weekend. In the past, UK has let painful losses snowball. With fewer games to get back in rhythm, this pattern becomes even more dangerous. Nevertheless, on Friday, head coach Kyra Elzy assured the media there was nothing to worry about.

We have to remain resilient. These are the cards that we have been dealt, and we can only control the things that we can control,” Elzy said. “Our kids have been really locked in and trying to take care of business on the practice court.”

The ‘Cats should be comfortable with long breaks. This week-long rest is UK’s third seven-day break this season. Hopefully, UK used their time to focus on rebounding.

In the team’s past two contests, Kentucky’s opponents have snagged 32 more rebounds than the ‘Cats. As the top rebounding team in the country, Tennessee is prepared to pile on to this figure. Elzy is doing all she can to avoid this outcome.

“We have to commit to rebounding by committee. It’s not just one person. Everybody has to get in on the action,” Elzy said. “We must hold ourselves accountable in that area.”

Finally, UK has to make shots. The team went 21-71 (29.6%) from the field against South Carolina. Tennessee’s defense will be just as intimidating as South Carolina’s. The ‘Cats can’t be affected.

If Kentucky wants to win big games, they must ignore big distractions. Whether that’s a 6-foot-6 shot-blocker or simply a rowdy fan, the ‘Cats have to lock in for Sunday’s game. After all, they have a lot of practice with distractions by now.

“We’ve played some tough road games, but it will make us better in the long run, and it has,” Elzy said. “When the crowd gets into it, make sure we do not lose our composure.

Stay locked in with each other. When your shots are not going, hang in there defensively and rebound until we figure it out offensively.”

Kentucky has their game plan, but can they execute it? Elzy certainly thinks so.

The Wildcats will take on the Volunteers at 3 p.m. EST. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

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2024-03-28