The Cats travel to Austin for a big SEC matchup.
The Kentucky Wildcats go on the road to Austin Saturday for an SEC matchup with the Texas Longhorns.
(That still feels like a weird sentence).
According to Big Blue History, this is just the second-ever matchup between the Wildcats and the Longhorns and the first to take place in Austin.
Kentucky and Texas faced off on Dec. 5, 2014 in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge, with Kentucky picking up the 63-51 victory in Rupp Arena. The two teams also faced off in the Maui Invitational in 1993 with the Cats winning 86-61.
This matchup is a big one for Kentucky. Coming off the heels of a huge win at home over the 5th-ranked Tennessee Volunteers, Kentucky is looking to build some momentum heading into the home stretch of the regular season.
To do that, they’ll have to go on the road to take on a Texas team also in search of a win after losing their last three. Sitting at 15-10 with a 4-8 mark in SEC play, the Longhorns need a win to remain in contention for a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
ESPN gives the Longhorns a 51 percent chance to make the tournament, thanks in part to their #31 ranking in the NET. Joe Lunardi’s latest bracketology has Texas in the “Last 4 Byes” as an 11-seed.
Texas is led by freshman Tre Johnson, who averages 19 points per game. Johnson has had some big performances for the Longhorns this year, scoring 26 in a narrow loss to Tennessee and 30 in a win over Texas A&M.
Senior forward Arthur Kaluma is also a big piece for this Texas team. The Creighton and Kansas State transfer averages 13 points and 8 rebounds per game while shooting nearly 40 percent from 3. However, he’s doubtful to play in this one due to a knee injury, the Cats may catch a break there.
Junior Jordan Pope is also a name to keep an eye on. The 6-foot-2 Oregon State transfer has been up-and-down this season but scored 42 points in a game earlier this season and also had 27 in a win over Oklahoma.
Kentucky will be without Lamont Butler and Jaxson Robinson, which certainly makes this game more challenging, not to mention being on the road in what will likely be a wild environment for Kentucky’s first visit.
Kentucky is a 2.5-point underdog via FanDuel. Can the Cats go down to Austin and pick up a win, or will the Longhorns pick up a big-time win for their NCAA Tournament resume?
Let us know in the poll below and in the comments!