The USC Gamecocks basketball plays host to the Kentucky Wildcats tonight at 6 p.m. in the Colonial Center and it will be on ESPN. Can a upset happen again? Can Ellington put on a show like Downey?
It will take a team effort from USC to beat Kentucky tonight and it can be done. Kentucky is a Top 25 team, ranked #12 in the AP, and they’re a tough match for South Carolina. The Gamecocks boast a record of 12-5 overall including 3-1 in the SEC. Meanwhile, the Wildcats have a notable record of 14-4 and are 2-2 in the conference.
For USC to win, these five things must be done:
1. Slow down UK’s Knight — the Gamecocks must slow down their stud guard. He averages 17 points a gmae and for USC to win he can not reach that average.
2. UK Must Be Outrebounded — just like in their loss to Bama, the ‘Cats have to be outrebounded tonight with USC. The Gamecocks have to step up their interior game and box out. USC needs to end up with at least a +7 in this stat by the end of the game. UK averages 40 rebounds per game as a team and this needs to be held in check by Carolina by limiting UK to no more than 32 as a team.
3. UK Has to Be Cold From Outside — the 3 ball shots can not fall for UK. When they lose they shoot below their average from outside. Love to see UK shooting below 30% and USC draining them in the tune of 45%.
4. Terrence Jones Can Not Be a Factor — UK’s forward can not be a factor in this game. Cooke, Muldrow and crew must play big below and have a stout defensive performance tonight.
5. Muldrow and Ellington Must Be Huge — These two guys for Carolina must have their best game of the year. Love to see 20+ points from both.
So can USC do it?
If so, it will be a bigger win in my view than last year and bold well for NCAA chances as this is a resume-type game. South Carolina must play above the rim, forces turnovers and have no fear of the “big blue nation.” If SC can keep it tight and keep UK under 75 points, then USC will win. But if UK gets off to a hot start and develops a 10 plus lead early, this hurts the young Gamecocks confidence. Which means a loss. I have faith in USC as long as they play as a team and Muldrow plays big. I hope USC surprises me today and gets the win.
