How Kentucky can beat Kansas in the Big 12/SEC Challenge headliner
By Bryan Mauro
Oscar, Oscar, and More Oscar
Kentucky has the biggest weapon in this game and is likely the only matchup the Wildcats will be able to exploit in this game. That weapon and matchup nightmare is named Oscar Tshiebwe and you may also know him as the reigning Naismith Player of the Year. The big man has a knack for taking over a game as few can. 30 points and 20 rebounds are not out of the question for the big man and if he does that it will go a long way toward making sure the Wildcats get the win on their home floor.
Kentucky is at its best when the offense is running through their All-American and Player of the Year big man. Tshiebwe is not that great of a passer and he should not be handling the ball, so where he catches the ball to initiate the offense is going to be very important, but if catches the ball anywhere in the paint and has room to work he is likely going to score. He is also going to be there to rebound misses and get easy putbacks. The big man averages 6 offensive rebounds per game, which he usually converts into points or finds himself at the foul line. The Wildcats have played through Tshiebwe on their current 4-game winning streak and it is paying off big time.
The Kentucky guards are going to need to find the big man early and often in this game. Force the Jayhawks to make a decision as to whether they want the big man to completely take over the game on the offensive end or if they want to try and shut him down and make the rest of the Kentucky offense beat them. That is a pick-your poison-kind of thing as the Wildcats have two of the best three-point shooters in the country and if Kansas is selling out to protect the paint there are going to be open shots for the guards they just have to knock them down now.
It should go without saying that the more shots that Kentucky makes the louder Rupp is going to get which should give Kentucky energy. A huge game by Tshibwe can sway some matchups in favor of Kentucky, which in turn can sway this game for the Wildcats.