3 things to watch: UK vs. Lamar

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Three things to watch as UK takes on Lamar at 8:30 p.m. in Rupp Arena (TV: ESPNU or espn3.com).

1. The defenses — From a UK perspective, this game can (a) reinforce its defensive prowess, and (b) show an improved offense against a competent defensive team.

Lamar is a bad offensive team, especially shooting. They don’t make two-pointers (42 percent) and they don’t make three-pointers (31.9 percent). The Cardinals do have one exception, though: leading scorer Anthony Miles (15.1 points per game) is making over 50 percent on 3-pointers. UK can clamp down on defense, with a focus on one specific player.

Conversely, Lamar has proven it can play defense, even against good teams. The Cardinals have played No. 4 Louisville and held Cardinals to a 98.3 efficiency rating, the third-lowest mark for Louisville on the season. Lamar is also coming directly off playing No. 2 Ohio State, and held them to a 100 efficiency rating, the second-lowest mark for the Buckeyes on the year. (And if you’re saying Ohio State had a limited Jared Sullinger in that game, you’re correct, but UK will have either a limited Terrence Jones or no Terrence Jones.)

2. Comparative testing — If you’re a believer in the transitive property, this is a dream opponent. Lamar has, as mentioned, played No. 2 Ohio State and No. 4 Louisville. Lamar lost by 20 points to both teams. So if you’re trying to compare based off a single game against a common opponent, a comparison will be readily available after tonight’s game.

3. Rebounding — Lamar is a good rebounding team, averaging +6.8 rebounds per game this year. The Cardinals rank in the top 60 in both offensive and defensive rebounding percentage. They don’t have a starter over 6-foot-8 in the starting lineup, but they do have 6-foot-9 and 6-foot-11 players coming off the bench. John Calipari has harped the past two games in a row about needing rebounding from more than Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist; this game gives players such as Darius Miller and opportunity to crash the boards.

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