It would be my belief that when North Carolina and Kentucky's athletic directors got off the phone they were rather excited for the fresh new rivalry of two basketball powerhouses.
The two teams have combined 74 regular season conference championships, 50 conference tournament titles, 89 NCAA tournament appearances, 30 final fours, and 12 national championships.
However, the rivalry between the two hasn’t been so amazing. Since 2000 North Carolina holds a slight advantage at 4-3 head to head against the Wildcats. Don’t bank on a close game, though! Kentucky’s three wins were by an average of 18 points. North Carolina’s four wins boast an average nine and a half point difference.
As for the direction of the programs, there is a distinct difference. Since the change of coaches in Kentucky they have gone a measly 18-14 including losses to Gardner Webb and Virginia Military Institute. The year before Gillispie showed up wasn’t anything great either as the Wildcats finished with a sub respectable 22-11 record.
The Tar Heels, on the other hand, are climbing the ranks of college basketball and are a lot of people’s number one. Carolina has won 86 games during All American Tyler Hansbrough’s stay in Chapel Hill. A year before that they won their fifth National title.
The dramatic change in each program has definitely taken two different roads. So what gives tomorrow when they play?
Kentucky needs Hansbrough, Ginyard and Frasor to sit if they want a chance. The Tar Heels took care of Penn in their season opener rather easily while Kentucky lost to VMI by eight. Ed Davis and Tyler Zeller really stepped up their performances in their collegiate debut’s while Kentucky’s DeAndre Liggins and Darius Miller also had strong outings.
In order for Kentucky to keep it close they are going to need to slow down the Carolina offensive attack. While the Tar Heels wont score as many points as the run and gun Keydets they will have an easy time getting the ball inside against the Kentucky posts. Patterson and Stevenson are great post players for the Wildcats, but not enough to slow down the Carolina front court.
What I Expect
I don’t expect the Wildcats to come play like they did on Saturday. Gillispie will certainly not allow his Wildcats to underachieve for a second straight year. I look for them to come out strong and play with great intensity and Kentucky pride.
My Prediction
If Hansbrough and Frasor play, I could see a close first half. But, ultimately, the depth and size of the Heels prevails as they come out with an easy 88-72 victory. If Hansbrough and Frasor do not play, things could be interesting. If Kentucky can keep it within five for the first 28 minutes of the game they might have a chance. I’m still taking Carolina, 82-74.
7 comments Last one added 7 months ago — Leave a Comment
Nate M 7 months ago
Im going to get ripped for this but here goes.
Billy G, at times its too intense of a coach, and really, still not as established as a Roy Williams.
Ginyard IS out, Bobby Frasor probably out, and Hansborough, it doesnt matter, as he has not done well against the UK Big men. And if he plays, he's likely to be timid on the jumping.
I could not watch the VMI game on saturday, and only got to listen to the second half. All I will say, except for about 8 minutes, VMI couldnt miss. What was it, 13 3's?
I'm not going to be uber-Kentucky fan here, but Kentucky has a chance. Albeit a small one to pull this out, and knock off the Tarheels. They proved they can top 100 pts, while getting their tails whupped. Proved they could score without a great game from Patrick Patterson.
However they are susceptible to the big runs so far....
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Jon Altena 7 months ago
Those are valid points, no argument here. Hansbrough is not playing so it will be interesting to see if Thompson can be physical with him.
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Nate M 7 months ago
Patterson and Harrelson will be able to take things on with Stevenson.... wow a lot of "SONS" ... lol.
Darius Miller is looking confident, especially during the "comeback" with VMI.
I think with Perry, Patrick, Darius, DeAndre, and the cast of 20 plays well, we havea chance, despite the VMI loss
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Benjamin Osborne 7 months ago
Josh Harrellson might be the X-Factor off the bench for the Cats. He really wasn't a factor at all against VMI (neither was Patrick Patterson for that matter) because of the rapid pace of play. If UK can somehow slow the pace of play down, look for Harrellson to be physical down low and draw defenders out of the post with the ability to hit the perimeter shot.
UK won't win, and probably won't get close, if they can't find a way to slow down the Heels' frenetic play. DeAndre Liggins and Michael Porter HAVE to take care of the basketball and get the ball to Jodie Meeks and Patterson consistently. If they do so, and avoid a VMIesque shooting spree from the Heels, and this will be a close game.
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Barry Flatt 7 months ago
I might be the only person on this earth to think ky will win tonight. I think that patterson and harrelson will be big factors tonight also meeks will shoot the lights out along with mark krebs yes thats right mark krebs will play good tonight i will be back tomorrow to tell everyone i told you so
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Jon Altena 7 months ago
How will Kentucky slow down the Heels? Any thoughts?
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Michael Lockamy 7 months ago
UNC and Kentucky are storied programs. No question, UNC has home court advantage. Carolina wins by a squeaker. Tywon, Wayne and Tyler Z show up big tonight. Patrick Patterson gives it all. Still, Carolina will be ready without Tyler, Marcus and Frasor. I am just glad we are playing at home after the VMI loss Kentucky suffered. Prediction: UNC 91- Kentucky 88
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