Your Final Pregame Prep for Vandy-Kentucky

by:Nick Roush•01/30/18•

@RoushKSR

Coffee tastes better when you have something to read with it. I'm sure you've got a nice warm cup in your hand to keep you awake for the late night tip-off. Allow me to serve the reading material, first, with some reading material fans at Rupp Arena are creating.

Get Well Soon, Boogie

The Big Blue Nation hurt when the news broke that DeMarcus Cousins suffered a season-ending injury Friday night. Now it's the Big Blue Nation's turn to lift up Cousins in his recovery. To help his spirits, there's a "Get Well Soon" card for fans to send personal messages to the Kentucky Wildcat. Up first, Rex Chapman.

Remember, if you’re in @Rupp_Arena tonight, stop by and sign the get well card for @boogiecousins. @rex_rexchapman did. pic.twitter.com/jcIjfoFORf
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) January 31, 2018

A closer look at the card:

P.J. Washington is Dressed

He only played 11 minutes at West Virginia and was absent for the entire second half. Calipari estimated he was at about 80-90 percent with a "dinged up" knee. If he's at 100, Washington will play tonight. Right now he is dressed in warm-ups, ready to roll.

The Cats are Good vs. The Three

How does this Vanderbilt team worry a Kentucky fan? The Commodores are good behind the three-point line. More than 35 percent of their points are from long range, thanks in large part to Riley LaChance (a 42.7 percent three-point shooter). The good news for Kentucky fans: the strength of the Wildcats is their three-point defense. The Cats are holding opponents to just 28.5 percent from behind the three-point line. Kentucky's three-point defense is the fourth-best in the NCAA. A look at the rest of tonight's numbers:

Vando's Pregame Meal: BEEF

Balance - Eyes - Elbow - Follow through Jarred Vanderbilt has struggled to finish near the rim in his return to the court. It's the final piece of the puzzle that he's working to perfect. He was on the court early, starting near the rim with just his left hand, to make sure he has BEEF with him at all times tonight at Rupp Arena.