Originally Posted by
EaglesPhan36
Kentucky is always "too athletic" but that doesn't mean KU doesn't have players to match-up well against them. I think the PG battle is even. Taylor should be better than Teague due to his experience and he's quick as fukk, but he's been horrible for most of the tournament. He did a great job getting to the line against UK when he was shooting like ass, would like to see him to do that again and quit trying to hit anything outside the arc.
Johnson and Lamb, dead even. Both good shooters who can hit big shots. Lamb IMO should be a bigger factor in the UK offense, but he rarely is asked to be since UK is able to dominate teams inside.
Kidd-Gilchrist obviously a huge advantage against Relaford. Would expect Young to also see plenty of time on KG, but this is a match-up where KG should excel. He's also been MIA at times in this tournament though. He had two great games and three very average to below average games.
I think you pretty much pair the low post guys together since they will probably all guard each other at some point. Robinson/Withey v. Davis/Jones. Withey will be on Davis as long as fouls allow him to be. Robinson I would have to think will be on Jones to avoid foul trouble that plagued him in the 1st meeting. He has to play 30 minutes for KU to have any shot. Jones had a pretty solid game against KU and I think he's an X-factor. I give UK the edge in these match-ups, but I don't think it's by a wide margin. Any foul trouble could really change the face of the game involving these players. I hope the refs allow them to all play w/out any BS touch fouls, etc.
Obvious key as usual is limiting run outs for UK and vice versa. Most people said KU matched up poorly at every position against Ohio State from Craft to Thomas to Sullinger. I think their defense is vastly under rated for what it has done this tournament. Their D is the only reason they have made it this far. Doubtful they slow UK down enough, but if they can somehow force UK to shoot a few more jumpers and keep them limited in transition, they have a shot. Easier said than done of course, but it's not like this is a foregone conclusion that Kentucky is going to win.