Busting Brackets
Fansided

NCAA Basketball: Previewing the Big 12/SEC Challenge

By Doug Winkey

Jan 23, 2017; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) handles the ball while TCU Horned Frogs guard Alex Robinson (25) defends during the second half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Cowboys won 89-76. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2017; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) handles the ball while TCU Horned Frogs guard Alex Robinson (25) defends during the second half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Cowboys won 89-76. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
11 of 11
Next
Jan 21, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) celebrates with forward Edrice Bam Adebayo (3) during the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated South Carolina 85-69. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) celebrates with forward Edrice Bam Adebayo (3) during the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated South Carolina 85-69. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

Kansas @ Kentucky

Location: Lexington, KY

Kansas Jayhawks — 18-2 (7-1 Big 12)

Kentucky Wildcats — 17-3 (7-1 SEC)

Match-up to watch: Malik Monk vs. Devonte’ Graham

Frank Mason III is Kansas’ star, but Graham should draw a large chuck of the defensive assignment on Kentucky’s freshman shooting guard. The junior Jayhawk guard is third on the team in scoring at 13.7 points per contest on 47 percent from the field. He also contributes 3.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per outing.

Graham will have to contend with rock star Monk, who averages 21.9 points on 50 percent shooting while adding 2.4 boards, 2.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Graham hasn’t faced a guard with Monk’s skill level much of the year, but Monk hasn’t faced a team with quite as much talent and balance on the perimeter. Expect tons of fireworks between these two title contenders, but Carlton Bragg Jr. is out. That could be a huge blow.

Prediction: Kentucky 84 Kansas 70

Next: How does Lonzo Ball stack up in the POY Power Rankings?

That’s all for our Big 12/SEC Challenge. Enjoy the showdowns on Saturday!

Home/NCAA Basketball News