Kentucky vs Louisville: 2020-21 college basketball game preview, TV schedule
A matchup with major implications will happen between Louisville and Kentucky. Who has the edge in this year’s battle?
TV schedule: Saturday, December 26, 1:00 pm ET. ESPN
Arena: KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky
Just days before the start of the 2020-21 season, the views of both Kentucky and Louisville were completely opposite compared to what they are a month after. The Wildcats were ranked in the top-10 overall and had Final Four aspirations, while the Cardinals were unranked and had to deal with two starters injured in Charles Minlend and Malik Williams.
Louisville (5-1) has been impressive overall, including a win at Pittsburgh to notch its first win in ACC play. Star guard Carlik Jones returned from his own injury to score 11 points after missing the previous game against Wisconsin.
He has produced well as the team’s star player, averaging 16.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, and 6.3 apg. Jones and sophomore David Johnson (13.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, and 4.3 apg) have led the charge for the Cardinals while the young supporting cast of forwards has played well also.
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Kentucky (1-5) has been nothing short of a disaster so far. After beating Morehead State to start out the season, the Wildcats have lost five straight against power conference level competition. Between the underperforming freshmen, complete lack of shooting, and inconsistent play from Olivier Sarr inside have been them in a near-insurmountable hole before SEC play even starts.
This game has always had many storylines and this year is no different, although if Kentucky loses this game and falls to 1-6, it won’t be a good holiday celebration for head coach John Calipari and the team. A win over the Cardinals won’t change everything but local bragging rights will calm the fans down for at least a little bit.
As for Louisville, beating rival Kentucky will just give added momentum for the team heading into conference play. And the top projected teams (Duke, North Carolina, and Virginia) haven’t looked as strong as expected, giving an opportunity for a team like the Cardinals to make a potential run at the top.
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After all of the turmoil off the court for Kentucky that included the current banishment for freshman forward Cam’Ron Fletcher, this game will show whether the team is capable of getting back on track or will be stuck in mediocrity. Emotions will be high in this one and the Wildcats are as desperate as one can imagine. It’s the last stand for the team and I have a feeling that they’ll pull together and get off the losing streak.
Prediction: Kentucky 74 – Louisville 68