How Kentucky can beat Kansas in the Big 12/SEC Challenge headliner

The entire college basketball world knows about the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. They are getting more familiar with the Gavitt Tip-Off Games, which are against the Big East and the Big Ten. The one that many are not as familiar with is the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. It is not as known because it takes place in the middle of the season and that time is usually the middle to end of January. Logistically these games work like any other ESPN-created challenge. The only difference is that unlike the Gavitt Games and the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. The SEC/Big 12 challenge is all played on the same day. This will be the last year for this challenge as the SEC will pair with the ACC next season.

It does not happen often in January that we will be treated to two blue-blood programs with a ton of history, playing in a nonconference game this late into the regular season. Kansas and Kentucky are the two premier teams in the event. Those two teams have the most history, and one of them made history by losing to Saint Peter’s in the NCAA tournament. The other made history by winning the National Championship last year. Each team is on a different path this season but that doesn’t mean this game is short of storylines. This is the premier matchup of the SEC/Big 12 challenge.

Kentucky gets to host the defending National Champion inside Rupp Arena. Big Blue Nation is going to be ready for this game and Rupp is going to show why it is one of the best home-court advantages in the entire sport. The question is going to be can Kentucky do enough to beat the Jayhawks? The Jayhawks are going to be motivated as they have lost three games in a row.

Kentucky is playing much better than it did in the middle of the season, and this may be one of the best games in the entire college basketball season. I have set the stage, but how can the Wildcats leave Rupp Arena as the victors on Saturday?  I will give you three things that must be accomplished for them to have any chance.