Loyola (MD) vs. Kentucky: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

Loyola (MD) brings their 8-2 record into the Bluegrass State to take on No. 3 Kentucky on Thursday.

Kentucky has been as good as advertised, posting a 10-1 record with their only slip-up coming against a surging 11-0 Indiana team.

This is as good of a measuring stick game as the Greyhounds could ask for. Their two losses have come against Wake Forest and St. Bonaventure, two formidable teams.

Where: Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY

When: Thursday December 22, 1:00 p.m. EST

Watch: Fox Sports South

Listen: UK IMG

Live Stream: FirstRowSports.TV

Betting Line: Kentucky -23, according to vegasinsider.com.

Key Injuries:

Kentucky’s Terrence Jones probably won’t play due to his dislocated finger.  

What They’re Saying:

Greyhounds Player to Watch: Erik Etherly

Junior Erik Etherly has been a stud this season. Not only is he second on the team in scoring (12.4 PPG) but he leads the team in rebounding with 7.6 per game. He is shooting 52.1 percent from the floor, including 50 percent from beyond the arc.

He is an extremely active forward who is capable of putting up numbers across the board.

Wildcats Player to Watch: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

With Terrence Jones out of the lineup, freshman Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will need to raise his production to another level. He has done it all season long, especially when the Wildcats have needed a boost against teams like Indiana and North Carolina.

He has averaged 12.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.

At 6’7”, Gilchrist’s athletic ability is off the charts. He’s active and explosive when Kentucky has the ball in transition and in the midst of their dribble-drive offense.

Kidd-Gilchrist is opening many scouts' eyes with his all-around talent. 

Key Matchup: Greyhounds defense against Loyola's extreme athleticism

Loyola (MD) hasn’t faced a team like the Wildcats this season. They will be shocked when they take the floor on Thursday because of the quickness that every player possesses.

Doron Lamb scored 26 points against Samford on Tuesday. Expect the same amount of success for the sophomore. Freshman Anthony Davis should be able to have his way in the paint because of his overall size and athleticism.

Marquis Teague’s ability to penetrate and get to the rim will be easily noticed if he is on top of his game.

Prediction: Kentucky 89, Loyola (MD) 64

Loyola (MD) has had a great start to the season. This will be a measuring stick game, but the Greyhounds will find out that they aren’t even near the level of the Wildcats.

Moral victories will be the name of the game on Thursday.