Kentucky vs. LSU: Numbers You Need to Know

It’s been a long day waiting for the Wildcats. You’ve almost reached the finish line. Now cram in all of the facts, figures and numbers you need to know before Kentucky hosts LSU in the penultimate game of the season at Rupp Arena.

2.2 — Steals per game by LSU’s Eric Gaines, the third-most in the SEC. He’s recorded four or more steals in seven games this year, including five in November against Liberty.

3 — Where LSU ranks in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency metrics. Kentucky ranks second overall and has an 80% chance to win according to Pomeroy’s numbers (that does not calculate for potential injury absences).

4 — Minutes Sahvir Wheeler was able to play at LSU in January before suffering a neck injury. TyTy Washington was also limited by cramps. Both players were absent in Saturday’s UK victory over Alabama.

6 — Years since Kentucky’s last undefeated season at Rupp Arena (Ulis, Murray and the 2016 Cats). John Calipari’s 2021-22 team is two wins away from another clean slate at home.

6 — Game losing streak by LSU was snapped two weeks ago. They seemingly got their act together, reeling off three straight wins, then dropped a giant dud in a 2-point loss to South Carolina over the weekend. Joe Lunardi currently projects a 6-seed for LSU as one of the 6 SEC teams in the NCAA Tournament field.

10.7 — Kentucky’s rebounding margin is the best in college basketball.

16.9 — Points per game by LSU’s Tari Eason, the fourth-most in the SEC. The 6-foot-8 forward is also fourth in the SEC in field goal percentage, netting 53.4% of his field goal attempts.

21 — Double-doubles in 27 games for Oscar Tshiebwe, the second-most in the country. The National Player of the Year frontrunner leads the nation in rebounding (15.2) and offensive rebounds per game (5.3).

39 — Plus minutes for Jacob Toppin and Davion Mintz against Alabama and neither committed a turnover.

Numbers You Need to Know