Kentucky Basketball: Wildcats Will Need Complete Focus to Escape Louisville

Kentucky has bounced back from a season-altering loss to Indiana. Their game against Lamar proved that one of the best teams in the nation can too easily lose focus. 

I am not about to call the beatdown Kentucky served to Lamar a close shave, because it wasn't. The Wildcats once again proved they are back to form following an mammoth upset loss to Indiana just a couple weeks ago. 

Since that time, Kentucky has barreled through lesser opponents, intent on demolishing the opposition rather than seeing them shock the world once again. 

If you think all was sunshine and smiles after the recent win, you would be sorely mistaken. Head coach John Calipari is not about to allow his stars to rest on their talented laurels. He told reporters the following: Via Courier-Journal 

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"There are things that went on in the game that just aggravated me. This team should be playing better than we’re playing. We either cure this or we’re going to start taking ‘L's."

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That may seem a tad salty considering his team won the game by a score of 86-64, but Calipari knows better. He understands that New Year's Eve brings a huge test in Louisville. 

Rick Pitino's squad will not go as quietly as Lamar, especially if Kentucky is going to give up 17 turnovers and act aloof during parts of the game. 

Louisville is coming off a disappointing loss against Georgetown and will no doubt be hungry for a win that will keep them in the upper echelon of the national rankings. 

Kentucky needs to hit the boards more and play with a great deal more intensity. It is so easy to sit back and let the game come to you when you are as talented as this team is. But that won't cut it for the whole season, and Calipari knows that. 

Kentucky can continue to move in the right direction against Louisville, but they will need a concerted effort to accomplish that. 

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