Kentucky-Georgia Preview: Must Win for the Wildcats

The Kentucky Wildcats try to get up off the mat Wednesday when they take on the doormat of the SEC East in the Georgia Bulldogs in Lexington. It is safe to say if UK loses this game, then the Wildcats would have to win the SEC Tournament to get into the NCAA Tournament.

Records
Kentucky 19-10, 8-6 SEC, RPI No. 66
Georgia 11-18, 2-12 SEC, RPI No. 205

Series
Kentucky has won eight of the last 10 and four of the last five at Rupp Arena

Last Meeting

Kentucky 68 Georgia 45
The Wildcats held the Bulldogs to just 31 percent shooting in a blowout win in Athens. Kentucky sank 20 of 26 free throws in the rout and were led by Jodie Meeks' 22 points in a return to his home state. Georgia failed to have a single player score in double digits.

What Kentucky Must Do to Win
1. Protect the Ball
Kentucky's biggest downfall this year has been turnovers, where it ranks near the bottom of Division I with nearly 18 per game. The Wildcats can't afford to let a Georgia team with nothing to lose hang around by turning the ball over.

2. Turn the Game into a Battle of Free Throws
Kentucky is one of the best free-throw shooting teams in the country at 77.5 percent, while Georgia ranks near the bottom at 62.8 percent as a team.

What Georgia Must Do to Win
1. Terrance Woodbury Goes Off
Woodbury needs to channel Jarvis Hayes and have an outstanding game to give Georgia a chance. The senior had 32 points in UGA's biggest win of the year against Florida.
2. Be Efficient on Offense
The Dawgs have really struggled scoring on offense, averaging only 0.9 points per possession, which ranks 313th in Division I.

Prediction
Kentucky is down after going 0-2 in big games last week, but I think it bounces back nicely by blowing out Georgia. Both teams are right around .500 against the spread as of late, so the 17 point spread should be pretty accurate. Kentucky wins by 15-21 points

Season: 21-20 SU through 3/1

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