UK-South Carolina: What’s Going to Be Different This Time?

Almost exactly one month ago, UK traveled to Columbia, SC fresh off of garnering the #1 ranking to face Devan Downey and the South Carolina Gamecocks. I think we all remember what happened.

The ‘Cats faltered, dropping their first game of the season 68-62, taking the Wildcats back down to size just a bit. It was a reminder of the fact that UK is a very young team with a lot of growing to do. Since then, UK has responded very well, winning seven in a row and rallying back to #2 in the country and closing to within reach of the SEC title and a number one seed.

So, what is it going to take for UK to avenge the loss to the Gamecocks and close to within one win of clinching a share of the SEC title? What is going to be different this time around that will allow the ‘Cats to win?

Devan Downey is the one name that comes to mind when you think South Carolina, so you would think the first thing I would point to when I’m talking about what UK has to change from the last matchup in order to win would be more effectively guarding Devan Downey.

Nope.

Devan Downey scored 30 points on 9-29 shooting in the January loss. I’m going to say this right now: it’s going to take a better performance from Devan Downey to beat UK this time around. The kid is going to get his shots and he’s going to make some tough ones. He’s going to get his points. All UK can do is force him to make tough shots, because shutting him down completely is a nearly impossible task. I don’t think UK has to do any better against Downey this time around to win.

Now that we’ve established that I don’t think Devan Downey is going to be any different Thursday, here’s what I believe will be:

1. Home Court Advantage

Not sure I really even have to describe this one. A month ago, UK faced not only an inspired South Carolina squad, but also an inspired South Carolina crowd. The techno music was bumping and the fans were primed for rushing the court. It was just UK’s fourth road game of the season and the first time they had been knocked down on the road. They weren’t quite ready to respond.

This time, UK will have the backing of a Rupp crowd hungry for revenge against South Carolina and aware of the fact that it will be likely the second to last home game for John Wall, Patrick Patterson, and DeMarcus Cousins.

Advantage ‘Cats.

2. No Trap Game

A month ago, UK had just earned the number one ranking, had just held a successful Hoops for Haiti Telethon, and had just taken a call from the President of the United States. Expecting the 14th youngest team in the nation to be completely focused in those circumstances is slightly unrealistic.

Now, even though UK is coming off of two of its better wins of the year, I don’t think we have to worry about a let down. This is a very competitive bunch of players and they have no intention of losing a second game to South Carolina. In fact, I think the young ‘Cats will be out for blood, looking for a decisive win and fully focused on the task at hand.

3. Rebounding

UK has made its money in SEC play on the boards. However, the last time these two teams played, South Carolina got bounces and won the 50-50 balls on the way to outrebounding UK 40-38 and grabbing 16 offensive boards, four more than UK typically allows.

I’m telling you that an undersized South Carolina team is NOT going to duplicate that feat and outfight UK on the boards. The effort wasn’t all there last time, but that will be different on Thursday.

4. Patrick Patterson

Patrick Patterson has been a different player the past two games. He’s taking ownership of this team and of his own play, he’s demanding the ball, and he’s attacking the boards. He has consecutive double-doubles and is reminding people why he was pre-season player of the year in the SEC.

Patterson had one of the worst games of his career in Columbia, scoring just five points on four shots. That will be fresh in his mind when he takes the floor tomorrow.

5. DeAndre Liggins

In the last matchup, DeAndre Liggins was still earning John Calipari’s trust and increasing his role. He played just 12 minutes in Columbia and was a relative non-factor.

On Thursday, you will see much more of DeAndre Liggins. Darnell Dodson played 21 minutes in the last matchup, and I would expect Liggins to play many of those minutes and be on the floor for at least 25 minutes. Much of that time will be spent harrassing Devan Downey. Liggins can’t stop Downey, but he sure will be able to make him work. He doesn’t provide the same offensive potential that Dodson does, but he fits much better with what UK is trying to get done.

6. Shooting

22-57 (38.6%)

3-12 (25%)

The first number is UK’s shooting from the field the last time. The second number is UK’s shooting from three the last time.

I know UK shot poorly both games last week on the road, but after four days of being drilled on shooting with confidence and with the positive support from the UK crowd, I think UK is due for a much better shooting performance on Thursday. If UK can just get to 45% from the field and 35% from three, I don’t see South Carolina beating the ‘Cats.

Nick will have a full preview of the South Carolina game on Thursday, so keep an eye out for that.