SEC Basketball: 2018-19 Keys to Kentucky at Alabama

LOUISVILLE, KY - DECEMBER 29: Reid Travis #22 of the Kentucky Wildcats and Keldon Johnson #3 share a hug as they walk off of the court following the 71-58 win over the Louisville Cardinals at KFC YUM! Center on December 29, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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TUSCALOOSA, AL – JANUARY 27: Members of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrate prior to defeating the Oklahoma Sooners during the game at Coleman Coliseum on January 27, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

3. First Game Jitters

Kentucky has played only one true road game on the season, and while it was a win against Louisville it was also only about 70 miles from their campus and Kentucky travels as well as anyone. That left for an environment not quite as hostile as 15,000 people all booing you simultaneously.

Alabama’s issue will be the level competition. Much like the step up from college football to the NFL, Kentucky is playing almost an entirely different sport than the Crimson Tide’s last opponent, Stephen F. Austin.

Alabama hasn’t hosted a ranked team since getting blown out by 28 to the 15th ranked Volunteers of Tennessee. While Kentucky’s young team looks to overcome the inexperience outside of the friendly confines of Rupp Arena, Alabama will have to try and not be awestruck by the junior NBA squad that is Kentucky basketball annually.

We’ll find out early who’s mentally prepared for their first game in conference. Early turnovers and forced shots will be a clear indicator if so. Beyond theory and in reality, I would expect Kentucky’s confidence to be soaring as they’ve come off of two season-defining wins. Alabama it would seem will most likely stand slack-jawed at the level of Kentucky’s talent.

Next. SEC Power Rankings. dark

If the Crimson can stay focused and play a near-perfect game they’ll have a decent chance but that’s a lot of “ifs”. Kentucky should win their conference opener with ease.

Final Score Prediction: Kentucky by 8, 74-66

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