PREVIEW: Kentucky WBB finally back on court against No. 15 Georgia
After what felt like an eternity, Kentucky Women’s Basketball is back.
On Thursday evening, the No. 21 (7-3) Wildcats will face the No. 15 Georgia Bulldogs (12-2) inside Memorial Coliseum. Due to COVID issues, the contest will be the Wildcats’ first game in 18 days. Moreover, it’ll be the ‘Cats first taste of conference play this season.
Rankings aren’t the only thing that makes this matchup intriguing. Last season, UK and Georgia split wins against one another. Nonetheless, Georgia got the last laugh when they ended the UK’s SEC Tournament run. Let’s discuss how the Bulldogs plan on breaking the ‘Cats’ heart again.
Getting to know Georgia
Georgia had a hot start to their season, but the harsh conditions of the SEC are seemingly slowing them down. In the Bulldogs’ first conference contest, they were upset by an inferior LSU squad. Following the surprising loss, Georgia narrowly defeated Florida.
With four days of rest, the Bulldogs are ready to get back on the right track. Led by last season’s SEC Coach of the Year Joni Taylor, the Bulldogs are defeating their opponents by 19.8 points per game.
These blowout victories often come at the end of stellar defense defensive performances. Georgia allows only a few second-chance points. The team ranks ninth in the country in total rebounds. Of course, you’re lucky if you even get up a shot. Led by 6-foot-5 center Jenna Staiti, the Bulldogs are top-three in the nation in blocks per game.
Even worse for UK, Staiti is just as effective on the offensive end of the floor. The towering graduate student leads the Bulldogs in scoring with 14.2 points per game while shooting 51% from the field. Additionally, Staiti snags 7.2 boards per contest.
As concerning as Staiti is, she isn’t the only Bulldog to worry about. The team’s leader in minutes, Que Morrison, contributes just as much to the team, if not more. The veteran point guard averages 14 points and 4.8 assists per game. As a cherry on top, fellow guards Sarah Ashlee Barker and Mikayla Coombs add a combined 17.4 points every night.
The Bulldogs’ talent is impressive, but their most significant advantage over the Wildcats is simply experience. With all of Kentucky’s setbacks, Georgia has played four more games than UK. These games include a triumph over No. 5 NC State.
Georgia may have experience against imposing opponents, but Kentucky has faced the same opponent all season: adversity. Thursday evening’s contest will be just another obstacle to the Wildcats.
Keys for Kentucky WBB
After extended breaks, most teams either return rejuvenated or sluggish. On Wednesday afternoon, head coach Kyra Elzy assured the media her ‘Cats would be ready.
“Everyone has really taken a step forward. This has been a lot to go through, but we have responded in a positive way,” Elzy said. “They are ready to take the floor.“
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The ‘Cats certainly had plenty to improve upon during the holidays. The team lost two of their last three games. Specifically, the team fell to DePaul and in-state rival Louisville.
During this three-game stretch, Kentucky couldn’t buy a basket from range. The Wildcats went 6-39 (15%) from beyond the arc during this period. To make matters worse, the team’s turnovers rose substantially. Against Louisville alone, Kentucky choked away 21 possessions.
Elzy discussed the importance of UK rediscovering their shooting rhythm.
“It’s extremely important. They have to see the ball going through the net,” Elzy said. “We’ve changed up a lot of our shooting drills, but a lot of them have just been while we’re fatigued.”
Even if Kentucky shoots well, it’ll add up to little if they can’t protect the boards. The two teams’ matchup reflected this point last season. In Kentucky’s victory, the ‘Cats tied the Bulldogs on the boards and held Staiti to four rebounds. In Kentucky’s loss, the Bulldogs dominated the paint, and Staiti grabbed 12 boards.
It’ll be vital Kentucky stuffs the paint to combat the Bulldogs’ rabid rebounding. Twofold, the team’s compact defense will force Georgia to take shots from the outside. Elzy believes the paint will be the battleground where Thursday’s battle will be won or lost.
“We have to be physical. We have to meet [Staiti] early, try to jam her up and not let her get two feet in the paint when the shot goes up,” Elzy said. “Those will be big keys going into the game for us.”
Looking toward the matchup
Thursday night will reveal whether Kentucky’s long slumber was a cocoon or a coffin. With 18 days to prepare, the Wildcats will have no excuses for a dull performance. After a long winter hibernation, Kentucky’s first SEC game will either be a dream or a nightmare.
The Wildcats will face Georgia at 7 p.m. ET in Memorial Coliseum. The game will be broadcast on SEC Network+.
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