Kansas and Kentucky headlines the 2019 Big 12/SEC Challenge. Here are the biggest storylines and keys heading into this game.
Two of the most historical NCAA Basketball programs face off in the non-conference challenge between the SEC and Big 12. Last season, the SEC finally won the battle between the power conferences after four failed attempts. Both Kansas and Kentucky were victorious in the team’s respective games, with the Jayhawks beating Texas A&M, while the Wildcats upset No. 7 West Virginia in the night cap.
These two teams also played each other last season, this time to start the season in the 2018 Champions Classic. Kansas defeated Kentucky, 65-61 in an entertaining matchup. The Big/SEC challenge gives both teams another crack at each other in primetime, while affording a grand opportunity at another resume building win (for a top-tier seed).
Kansas 16-3 (5-2) is coming off a hard-fought 80-76 home win over Iowa State, led by Dedric Lawson’s 29 points and 15 rebounds. Marcus Garett continued his offensive explosion, scoring 16 in the victory. The Jayhawks are tied with Kansas State for the Big 12 lead with a 5-2 conference record, and remains on track to win their 16th straight regular season title.
Kentucky 15-3 (5-1) has looked great recently, winning five straight games after losing at Alabama. After beating top-10 Auburn, the Wildcats handled a ranked Mississippi State team at home, 76-55. PJ Washington led all scorers with 21 points, while guard Tyler Herro added 18 as the only other player in double figures.
Even though this game is in Lexington, Kentucky, this is essentially a toss-up. So how will either team get an edge in this one? Here are the top storylines for this battle.
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