After being tested by Utah Valley on Friday, No. 5 Kentucky must regroup and prepare for an intriguing challenge from America East favorite Vermont.
The Wildcats trailed by 12 points early in the second half against the Wolverines, but John Calipari’s team rallied to score a 73-63 victory.
However, the Catamounts figure to offer even more competition, as Vermont is coming off a 29-win season and returns three double-digit scorers.
There’s no doubt that the young Wildcats will need to be on their game to avoid the upset by John Becker’s impressive squad.
Players to Watch
Kevin Knox (Kentucky)
Knox had an off night in going 3 of 11 from the floor against Utah Valley, but that shouldn’t overshadow the fact that he’s still one of the most versatile players on the roster.
His five rebounds and four assists showed that he has the ability to affect the game in multiple ways, and he’ll look to get his offensive game on track against Vermont.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Kentucky)
While it seemed as though Quade Green would be the team’s primary option at point guard, Gilgeous-Alexander has continued to rise over the past few months.
The 6-6 freshman got the start against the Wolverines and only helped his case going forward in scoring 13 points and playing 36 minutes.
Having a point guard with a 7-foot wingspan is a good problem to have, and that size will be a major advantage for Kentucky this season.
Trae Bell-Haynes (Vermont)
The reigning America East Player of the Year is set for a big senior season.
The 6-2 guard averaged 11.2 points per game last year, and is the rock of the this Catamount team.
Even with Kentucky’s talented backcourt, Bell-Haynes will present difficulties all game long.
Anthony Lamb (Vermont)
Here’s another Vermont player that has the tools necessary to win America East Player of the Year honors.
Lamb is the team’s leading returning scorer and rebounder, and he did all that as a freshman last season.
It will be fun to see this future NBA prospect duke it out with Kentucky’s forwards.
How Kentucky Can Win
Vermont was one of the most efficient shooting teams in the country last year, and with four starters returning from that group, could be even better this time around.
The Wildcats must stay consistent on the defensive end of the floor to win this game. Bell-Haynes and Lamb are legit, and so is 6-8 forward Peyton Henson, who averaged 11.5 points per game in ’16-17.
It will also be beneficial for Kentucky to speed up the game and not let Vermont methodically chip away on offense.
How Vermont Can Win
Excellent transition defense will go a long way towards giving the Catamounts the opportunity to score a memorable win at Rupp Arena.
Kentucky was able to turn the tide of the game against Utah Valley by forcing turnovers and scoring off the fast break and in transition, so Vermont needs to limit those chances.
Of course, keeping a long and athletic Kentucky team off the offensive boards will also be a huge key to victory.
Game Details
Date: November 12 at Rupp Arena
Time: 3:30 p.m. EST
TV: ESPN
Who wins on November 12?
- Kentucky (60%, 3 Votes)
- Vermont (40%, 2 Votes)
Total Voters: 5
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