The Wildcats and Battling Irish both desire a tackle shut as they navigate brutal early-season schedules
Notre Dame has never overwhelmed Kentucky at Rupp Arena, because the Wildcats preserve an 8-0 all-time legend for video games performed in Lexington, Kentucky, at some level of the series. But when there is ever a time for the Battling Irish to snag their first victory in a single among college basketball’s most hallowed halls, that is it. Kentucky enters Saturday’s showdown on CBS on a 3-recreation shedding trail that has uncovered correct how some distance this young UK team has to circulate.
The Battling Irish are simplest off to a 1-2 commence themselves, but their losses are towards No. 4 Michigan Tell and No. 22 Ohio Tell. At one time, it appeared this recreation towards Kentucky would be yet one other contest towards a ranked foe at some level of Notre Dame’s tricky early-season shuffle. But after the starting the season at No. 10 within the AP ballot, the Wildcats didn’t receive a single vote this week following their 1-3 commence.
Each and every groups might perhaps per chance for sure spend a victory right here, attributable to Kentucky has UCLA and Louisville up next whereas Notre Dame is scheduled to open ACC play towards Duke in its next recreation on Wednesday sooner than returning to nonconference play towards Purdue.
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Viewing knowledge
- When: Saturday, 12 p.m. ET
- The keep: Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky
- TV: CBS | Dwell stream: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (Free)
- OTT: CBS Sports App (Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast)
Storylines
Notre Dame: Notre Dame’s 44.1% 3-level taking pictures share through three video games ranked 13th nationally through Thursday’s video games. But the Battling Irish are soundless shopping for depth and brawn. They used correct seven players in a 90-85 loss to Ohio Tell on Tuesday as four of their five starters performed 37 minutes or more. The fifth starter, 6-foot-11 Juwan Durham, would delight in performed more than 22 minutes if he’d no longer encountered imperfect danger and finally fouled out. Sooner or later, feeble coach Mike Brey highlighted some neglected defensive rebounds as making the distinction in a narrow loss. Though he seemingly gained’t be obtainable Saturday, there is optimism that Santa Clara switch Trey Wertz might perhaps per chance compose eligibility quickly and support add depth. Even supposing he gained’t support within the entrance court, Wertz is a 6-foot-5 guard who averaged 11.9 parts per recreation whereas taking pictures 40% from 3-level fluctuate final season.
Kentucky: If there is a sparkling keep to counteract Kentucky’s abysmal 25.8% 3-level taking pictures through four video games this season, it’s that the Wildcats delight in additionally held opponents to correct 26.1% taking pictures from beyond the arc. That creates an enticing matchup towards Notre Dame, which depends heavily upon the three-level shot. With sophomore forward Keion Brooks Jr. soundless uncertain, the Wildcats are again expected to deploy a rotation that comprises no contributors from final year’s team. The shortcoming of continuity and the dearth of video games towards lower-tier opponents early this season delight in compelled Kentucky to buy a gaze at and find an offensive rhythm under unfavorable conditions. It has no longer long past nicely. But when the Wildcats can spend their size and athleticism to danger Notre Dame’s shooters, they might perhaps per chance live some distance from what would be correct the program’s 2nd shedding trail of 4 video games under John Calipari.
Sport prediction, find
Kentucky has long past 10 deep at cases early this season, and if Calipari is ready to place it again towards Notre Dame, the Wildcats wants with a concept to wear down their ACC foe by contesting photographs and gathering 2nd-probability parts. But don’t wager on these young Wildcats to quilt a 3-possession unfold.. Prediction: Kentucky 81, Notre Dame 77
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