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Keys to a UK Victory, Prediction, and MVP

Photo by Keyli Chisesi (Go Big Blue Country)

 

The Kentucky Wildcats open the 2018 NCAA tournament tonight vs. Davidson in the 5/12 matchup in Boise, Idaho. Winners of seven of their last eight, John Calipari’s club will look to keep things rolling after winning the SEC Tournament in St. Louis last weekend.

 

Let’s take a look at some keys to a first-round victory.



 

Defend and Make the Three

 

When UK landed in the dreaded 5/12 matchup, you had to feel a little anxious. Upsets in the NCAA tournament are a result of the underdog shooting the ball really well and the favorite struggling to make shots.

 

At times this season, Kentucky’s half-court offense has looked horrendous but they caught fire from deep in the SEC tournament. On the other hand, Davidson is shooting 39.1 percent from long range, something that UK will have to focus on if they want to leave Taco Bell Arena victorious on Thursday night.

 

On the season, Kentucky is among the best in the country at defending the three-point line but five of their SEC losses were to clubs that shot better than 36 percent from long range.

 

Build an Early Lead

 

I am sitting in Taco Bell Arena as I’m writing this and there will not be a large crowd of Kentucky fans here tonight. The crowd will cheer for the underdogs during tonight’s matchups and if the game remains close, you best believe they will turn in to Davidson fans.

 

Kentucky needs to come out fast and build an early lead. If they can make shots early and not allow Davidson to hang around, it would be a huge help.

 

On a side note, if Kentucky advances and Arizona is the matchup for Saturday, Gonzaga fans would likely cheer for Kentucky. Arizona is not a popular choice in this part of the country.



 

Play for Each other

 

The biggest improvement over the last four weeks is John Calipari has convinced his guys to play for each other. In early February, guys were still trying to do too much and it led to a brutal four-game losing streak. Since that point, guys have responded and smiles have returned.

 

Calipari’s message that less is more always seems to settle in around late February. The same can be said for this team as they were left for dead after a loss at Auburn in mid-February.

 

If Kentucky continues to play for each other and they don’t revert, any team in this tournament will have a difficult time eliminating them.

 

Prediction: Kentucky 79, Davidson 67

MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander  

 

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