Kentucky Basketball: 3 keys to SEC tilt with Tennessee Volunteers

Slow down Dalton Knecht

It's no secret that Tennessee's offense flows through Dalton Knecht. That knowledge hasn't done opponents' any favors when it comes to slowing down the Vols.

The 6-foot-6 guard has emerged as a legitimate All-American. He is averaging 20.1 points per game and has scored at least 25 points in his last six games, topping 30 points in four of those.

There aren't many ways to contain Knecht, which is a problem since his ability to get on a heater frees up offensive opportunities for other members of the team. There is an occasional exception to that rule - Knecht's dominant offensive performance against South Carolina came with little help from his teammates - but generally, Knecht is the tie that lifts all Vols.

After getting stuck in the mud against the Gamecocks, Tennessee is going to look to strike and strike a ton in the early going against Kentucky to get some electricity an fluidity flowing through the offense again. The fulcrum of that attack will be Knecht.

Kentucky's perimeter defense has been lacking all season and is one of the worst in the nation. But if they can clamp down on that - and on Knecht's ability to go on a solo run - the Wildcats will be in good shape.