Keys to the Game: Tennessee Volunteers

After winning on the home floors during the regular season, the Kentucky Wildcats and Tennessee Volunteers will meet in Tampa for a neutral site rubber match. The rival programs tip-off in the SEC Tournament semifinals this afternoon following the Arkansas versus Texas A&M game. Kentucky put 107 points on the Volunteers in Lexington, but were held to just 63 points down in Knoxville. The power struggle of a Top 5 offense against a Top 5 defense will likely decide today’s outcome.

With a quick turnaround between games there isn’t a ton of time to prepare. However, lengthy scouting reports aren’t as necessary when you know your opponent as well as Coach Calipari and his staff knows the Tennessee Volunteers. Simplicity is usually the name of the game in March. Sticking with that theme, let’s go ahead and dive into today’s three keys to the game.

Control the Pace, Score When You Are Open

The Tennessee Volunteers have an elite defense. It is okay to just come out and admit that. Scoring in the half court is a challenge as they mix forcing turnovers, protecting the rim, and contesting every shot into a result that generally holds teams in the 60’s. However, Kentucky isn’t your average offense. The ‘Cats have proven they can exploit the Volunteers defense as they did when putting 107 points on them at Rupp Arena. Conversely, they were held to just 63 points down in Knoxville in what was arguably their worst performance of the season. We will get a rubber match in the SEC Tournament semifinals this evening.

Kentucky is coming off of a 7-15 performance from beyond the arc against Vanderbilt in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals. It will likely take another strong shooting game to take care of business against the Volunteers. Finding opportunities in transition and being willing to drive and kick will lead to open shots on the perimeter for the ‘Cats. TyTy Washington exploded for four three-pointers against Vandy while Kellan Grady added two and Davion Mintz hit one. We will need each of them to step up once again.

The Key: Make 8 or more three-pointers.

Take Care of the Basketball

So far this season, Kentucky has done a pretty good job of limiting turnovers against the Tennessee Volunteers. 12 in Lexington and 14 in Knoxville won’t get you beat. However, you know that the Vols are coming for the ball and when they can get steals it leads to easy points for their offense. Kentucky turned it over just 12 times on Friday night against Vanderbilt and it led to an efficient 1.13 points per possession.

Kennedy Chandler, Santiago Vescovi, Zakai Zeigler, and Josiah-Jordan James all average more than one steal per game. The Tennessee guards and wings are excellent at applying ball pressure with active hands. This is a game where the Wildcats can’t afford a careless transition turnover or to have someone step out of bounds on the sideline. “Unforced” turnovers will get you beats against the Volunteers.

Tennessee is 13th nationally in turnover percentage, 23.3%, and sixth in steal rate, 13.6%. Kentucky’s offense is efficient enough that when they get shots as opposed to turning it over it makes it hard for the opposing team to keep up. Simply getting enough shots up on Saturday afternoon could be the difference.

The Key: 12 or fewer turnovers.

Just Keep Scoring

Prior to Friday night’s game we talked a lot about the Vanderbilt offense and guarding Scotty Pippen Jr. For this one, we are focusing more on Tennessee’s defensive abilities. However, a lot of the story will come down to how well the Wildcats can score the basketball. An Achilles heel for the ‘Cats all season has been prolonged scoring droughts. Despite having a Top 5 offense, currently ranked fourth per KenPom, Kentucky can go several minutes without putting points on the board. When going against a defensive unit as strong as Tennessee features, those three to four minute droughts can easily turn into five or more minutes.

Kentucky was at their best on Friday night when playing fast and scoring in transition. That obviously starts with getting stops, but pushing the pace after misses will make things easier for the ‘Cats. Manufacturing points against Tennessee’s set half-court defense will not be easy. Sahvir Wheeler dished out 11 assists against Vanderbilt. His ability to outplay his backcourt counterparts will go a long way towards deciding Kentucky’s fate.

The Key: Go score 80 points or more.