By Ryan Rogers
LSU Sports Information
BATON ROUGE — No. 25 LSU and No. 11 Kentucky will renew one of the Southeastern Conferences best and most storied basketball rivalries Sunday at noon in a sold-out Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
Tiger fans remember the glory days when a matchup against Kentucky usually meant a battle for first place in the SEC. The teams arent playing for first place Sunday, but with both teams ranked in the Top 25 it makes it a marquee matchup.
LSU has had plenty of success at home against tough opponents. Arizona and Auburn both were victims of the “Deaf Dome” in Baton Rouge. However, Kentucky is a team that plays very well on the road. It ranks second in road victories in the conference with three.
“Theyre very experienced when it comes to big games on the road,” explained Brady.
Kentucky will likely not be rattled as much as other teams have been in front of a sold out crowd on Sunday. The Wildcats are currently ranked second in the RPI poll. This is due to the fact that it has played the toughest schedule in the nation. Kentucky has big wins against No. 6 Michigan St., No. 8 Tennessee, No. 21 Utah, No. 23 Maryland, Pennsylvania, Louisville and Georgia Tech. They lost to top-notch opponents No. 7 Arizona, No. 10 Indiana and No. 12 Florida. Kentucky is no stranger to big-time competition.
Kentucky brings a balanced attack to the table. They have the capability to score inside and outside. Jamaal Magloire is averaging 13 points a game inside for Kentucky. Teyshaun Prince, also averaging 13 points a game, is both an inside and outside threat. Saul Smith, son of head coach Tubby Smith, is very solid at the point guard position. Torris Bright will be challenged in this matchup.
“We have to out rebound them and play excellent perimeter defense,” explained Brady.
The Wildcats are a hot team in the SEC lately. After a 4-4 start to the season they have won 13 of their last 15 games coming into the LSU game. However, Kentucky is beat up with only nine players healthy on the roster.
Only Collis Temple III is fighting an ankle injury for the Tigers, but he is expected to play Sunday.
The game is set for a noon tip-off at the Assembly Center.