of kentucky wildcats they traveled to London Michigan Wolverines 73-69. After a five-day break, the Wildcats will return to the arena on Saturday to face the Yale Bulldogs.
Yale University is a world-famous academic institution, but it also has a talented basketball team. Over the past six seasons, the Bulldogs have appeared in the NCAA Tournament three times, most recently last season, upset Baylor and nearly Duke in 2016.
The Bulldogs are expected to finish in the top three in the Ivy League this season. They are now 8-2 and are off to their best start since the 1945-46 season. They do so despite losing two All-Conference selections from their roster last season.
Saturday’s matchup will be the second time the two teams have met, having first met in 1961 when the Kentucky Wildcats (emphasized by Cotton Nash) defeated the Bulldogs 79-58.
Let’s take a closer look at the matchup.
Yale have made a name for themselves at the defensive end this season, keeping all but two opponents below 62 points. On average, they rank among the top 50 in Opponent Scoring Average (57.8 ppg) and Opponent Shooting Percentage (39%).
Like Bellarmine, the Bulldogs are also a well-coached group. Head of his coach James Jones, Ivy has won his League Coach of the Year award three times.
Saturday’s game will be another test of how well Kentucky can perform and play within themselves. Assisted on 17 of his 27 field goals, played through offense, and played right. They have to do the same with Yale.
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Despite early season concerns, this year’s Kentucky team has responded and started rebounding much better these days.
Kentucky, currently ranked fifth in the nation in rebounds per game (42.5), will face the Yale team, the nation’s top five team in defensive rebounding percentage (81.9%). That means Bulldogs don’t give up offensive rebounding opportunities easily.
However, Yale only lists a player over 6-foot-8, and that’s freshman Danny Wolfe, who has the shortest average time on the team. Given the Wildcats’ size advantage, they should be able to take their chances, but they’ll have to fight for them.
Bulldog’s best player is undoubtedly Matt Knowling. Junior is averaging a team-high 16.2 points and his 4.7 rebounds, and ranks second in the nation for his goal percentage on the field with 100+ tries (64.6%).
As Big Blue Nation knows, many opponents have entered Rupp Arena to play career games, and Knowling has the ability to be next on that list. With his ability to play inside and out, Jacob Toppin and Chris Livingston would most likely face him, two of Kentucky’s better defenders.
That being said, the Bulldogs’ success relies heavily on Knowling. Because he carries his two win shares (the value of winning two games), the highest in the country. If Kentucky can limit him, the game should be much easier.
Date and time: Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 1:00 PM ET.
position: Lap Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.
tv channel: SEC network
announcer: Roy Philpott and Mark Wise call the action.
Live Online Stream: Watch ESPN, ESPN+SEC Network+, or ESPN app.
wireless: Tom Leach and Jack Givens British sports radio network.
Replay: Watch ESPN and SEC networks (check local listings).
team sheet: England | | excellent
Statistics to know: England | | excellent
Odds: Betting line not yet released DraftKings SportsbookHowever ESPN matchup predictions Kentucky has an 87.7% chance of winning. Bert Tobik is 88%. Kempom is 92%.
predict: Bert Tobik I picked the Cats to win 72-60. Kempom Predict Kentucky 75-59 win!
