No. 12 Kentucky men’s basketball (14-5, 3-3) saw itself drop back three spots in this week’s AP Top 25 Poll after getting bested by unranked Vanderbilt on Saturday afternoon in Nashville, Tennessee.
Before losing to Vanderbilt, one week prior, UK fell to No. 4 Alabama 102-97 at Rupp Arena, killing its undefeated home win streak. Now, while suffering from their first multi-game losing streak of the season, the Cats will ride down to Knoxville to face No. 8 Tennessee on Tuesday, Jan. 28.
The Volunteers have dropped three of their last five games, entering on the back of a 53-51 road defeat to the nation’s current best, No. 1 Auburn. Before facing off with the Tigers, the Vols knocked off No. 14 Mississippi State in Knoxville back on Jan. 21, winning 68-56.
Even through a two-game down stretch, UK, as a whole, is averaging the third most points per game (88.1) in the nation, trailing behind Gonzaga (89.2), which is in second and Alabama (90.4) in first. The Vols are averaging 75.1 points per game, which issues them at 174th in the nation.
In return, Tennessee ranks third in the nation for points against (58.4) while Kentucky sits a whole lot deeper, averaging 76 points allowed per game, currently settling it at 296th in the country in the category.
Key Players
Otega Oweh
For Kentucky, Otega Oweh has been its go-to, reliable player, averaging 15.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.
Oweh, who is coming off of back-to-back team-high 21 point outings, is yet to score less than ten points in a game this season.
The 6-foot-4 guard brings a heavy, physical presence, along with the ability to pave his way through the paint, ruling no man safe when he is bulldozing towards the hole.
Chaz Lanier
For Tennessee, Lanier, a 6-foot-4 guard transfer from North Florida, has been lights out.
The former Osprey is shooting 41.4% from the field right now and averaging 18 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists a night, respectively playing the largest role, in terms of contribution, to Tennessee’s offense.
Kentucky forward Andrew Carr, who sustained an injury prior to the matchup against No. 14 Mississippi State on Jan. 11, is questionable for Tuesday’s game. Carr was sidelined for Kentucky’s recent go-around with Vanderbilt and forward Ansley Almonor took his spot in the starting five.
UK will also be without guard Lamont Butler, who is officially listed as “out” with a shoulder injury. Butler will be a large miss for the Cats as he has consistently been strong on defense while averaging 13.2 points and a team-high 4.8 assists per game.
Like always, fans can expect to see a fierce, heavy attacking game between these two programs. Both are in dire need to get back in the win column and will be hungry to leave with a victory.
This highly anticipated SEC matchup will air at 7 p.m. ET and can be viewed on ESPN.