Kentucky vs. Indiana: Anthony Davis and Wildcats Who Must Shine to Avoid Upset

Kentucky remains favored to win the NCAA tournament, but Sweet 16 opponent Indiana serves as a major hurdle on the Wildcats' road to a national title. Both programs have their fair share of prestige, which should make for a memorable battle.

Let's examine three Kentucky stars who must have tremendous showings on Friday night if the Wildcats are going to survive and advance to the Elite Eight.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Kidd-Gilchrist was one of Kentucky's most consistent contributors during the regular season, but he's hit a rough patch lately. He scored just five points in the SEC tournament final and has only 11 in his first two big-dance games.

His performance will need to improve against the Hoosiers, who are one of a few teams in the country that can keep up with the Wildcats' offense. Led by Cody Zeller, they have four players averaging double-digit points to illustrate their depth.

The biggest issue for Kidd-Gilchrist has been a lack of aggressiveness. He needs to start attacking the hoop at every opportunity again to give Kentucky the boost it needs.

Anthony Davis

Even though Davis is talked about endlessly, it's almost impossible to overstate his importance. Without his dominance down low, the Wildcats wouldn't be in this position. He sets everything in motion on both ends and must continue to do so.

Davis blocks nearly five shots per game and alters a handful more. Those numbers are impressive, but when you consider that's probably six or eight points per game being taking off the board for Kentucky's opponents, you really begin to grasp how vital he is to the team.

The Wildcats can't afford for him to have an off night anymore. They would have likely survived the first two rounds if he struggled, but starting with Indiana, they need his A-game every time.

Marquis Teague

There are always a couple players who don't receive the recognition they deserve when a team has as much talent as Kentucky. Teague falls into that category for the Wildcats. The freshman point guard holds everything together.

He's coming off his best game of the season against Iowa State with 24 points and seven assists to pace the Wildcats. For most of the campaign, however, he's been chipping in about 10 points while serving as a distributor and solid defender.

Teague's most impressive trait has been his poise. He hasn't shown any signs of first-year jitters despite plenty of high-pressure situations. If he can keep those mental mistakes to a minimum, Kentucky will be in terrific shape.