Vicky Graff Photo
Kentucky is up to No. 4 in this week’s Associated Press poll but center Amari Williams knows that will only add to the difficult atmosphere the Cats will face tonight at Clemson in the SEC/ACC Challenge (9:30 p.m. on ESPN).
Kentucky is 7-0 but will be playing its first true road game at Clemson (7-1).
“There will be a lot of noise against us, but it’s going to be like that all season when we go into SEC play. It’s a good test to go into someone else’s arena,” Williams said.
He’s right about the SEC as Auburn is No. 2 this week, Tennessee No. 3 and Alabama No. 10. That’s four SEC teams in the top 10.
Clemson is considered the second best team in the ACC behind Duke, a team UK beat in Atlanta earlier this season, by many college basketball analysts.
“They’re a physical team and they’re good at rebounding,” Williams said. “I think we’ve had good practice against (Western Kentucky and Georgia State), so just carrying over that will be important.
“They’ve got a lot of tall guys. It will be a physical game for sure.”
Senior center Viktor Lakhin averages 11.1 points per game for Clemson. and forward Ian Schieffelin averages 12.5 per game. Senior guard Chase Hunter leads Clemson at 16.4 points per game.
Kentucky counters with a balanced offense featuring six players scoring in double figures led by Otega Oweh at 15.9 points per game. Other double figure scores are Koby Brea (14.1), Lamont Butler (12.4), Jaxson Robinson (12) points, Andrew Carr (10.7) and Williams (10.0).
Williams knows what the message will be from coach Mark Pope tonight if the Cats hit rough spots because of how Pope handled adversity in wins over Western Kentucky and Georgia State.
“He just always reminds us to have fun. Regardless of how the game is going, there’s always the next play so just go out there with a smile on your face and love what you do,” Williams said.
11 Responses
This what the cats need get away from Rupp and go on the road to see were we are. I hate these late games though
I sure agree!!!!
The late game @ 9:30 Tuesday and then early game on the West coast Saturday is a challenging adjustment to any routine.
Early game on the west coast? Bro its at 10pm. Lol not am!
Ohhhh! PM. Thanks. Thats 7 pm KY time so it is good for their normal 24 hour cycle. I’ve traveled cross country and to other nations and know that jet lag is for real. Sure glad it’s PM game.
Game starts at 10 p.m. EST and 7 p.m. PST
I might get to watch the first half, but have to sit with a grandbaby early Wednesday morning, so at least I’ll have some fun.
I am not as worried about road games with this team. Most all the players have played many, many road games so they know what to expect. This will be a game showing whether or not they can play their own game against a team playing for their home crowd.
Like most road games, I expect this to be a 5 against 8 game because the ACC and NCAA need to get more teams higher in the rankings from other conferences.
You sure nailed it. UK will not be getting a favors or breaks from the refs. The NCAA has always looked for ways to hamper UK and the road games in the SEC are also 5 vs 8 with the league office having cronies as crooked as the NCAA cronies.
Our coach and players are well equipped to take on the challenge, but it is tough.
For some reason Clemson always gives us problems. If I’m not mistaken we lost to Clemson in 96 or 97. When we had one of the best teams of all time. I don’t quite think this team is on that level but they can get very close to that level. Those guys played together for 2-3-4 years. So they gelled like no other. I do think this team as crazy as it sounds shoots the 3 a little bit better. I know we beat them in the 97-98 season. When Rick Barnes was the coach of clemson. They always seem to beat the dukes and north Carolinas. I expect a big game from Oweh he loves contact and clemson is very physical. I also see a big game from Butler who also loves contact. If Williams was a tad bit more physical he would completely dominate the game. He’s built like a defensive end. If I was Pope I would tell him to turn up on his physicality. He’s a instant double double. I think they need to find him more near the basket he’s almost automatic. Carr should flex his muscles this game a couple of times. Lets Go Cats!
The biggest difference in facing Clemson on the road this year is the fact that we have a REAL Coach. If the FRAUD were still here, we would have 2 or 3 losses already. We have a veteran team, we have the height and the beef to matchup with them, we have a solid defense when they are dialed in, and we have knock down shooters. It will be a hostile environment and most likely we will get some "home cooking" from the refs, but I see us leaving with a win. This will be great prep for an even tougher game in Seattle on Saturday. We are finally getting some respect nationwide; now is the time to prove that it is deserved.
Yes. Absolutely true!
Jackson st isn’t walking thru that door.. big boy pants now..