The Kentucky Wildcats have likely not forgotten about losing to the LSU Tigers last month on the road. Several missed shots and opportunities caused the five-point loss. Now, the No. 18 Wildcats are ready for revenge as the Tigers come to Kentucky for their second SEC matchup.
Kentucky did not play poorly against LSU last month, they just failed to score, The team outrebounded the Tigers 42-37 while also outscoring them in the paint 40-32. However, Kentucky never got a lead in the game while players like Johnny O'Bryant III scored 29 points while the entire Tigers team shot 51 percent from the field. If the team wants to avoid being upset a second time by the Tigers, they must be more aggressive on defense and put together a complete game.
Defense has been the issue for Kentucky this season. On Tuesday, they allowed Mississippi to cut a 22-point lead to single digits while the Wildcats only managed an 84-70 win against the unranked opponent.The team is having a hard time adjusting to zone defense. The Rebels scored four straight baskets while the team was playing zone, leaving John Calipari to focus on the issue in practice.
After facing LSU, Kentucky will go on to play Arkansas, another team that managed to pull out a win because a defensive failure by the Wildcats. The Razorbacks beat Kentucky in overtime last month after getting a last-second rebound for the win. Since losing to LSU, Kentucky has won their last five of six games. The team will certainly have their hands full if they continue to play the way they have.