Last year, Epps only scored 13 against us. The year before, it was 29 in the game that we won, except that they made the bogus call on Kornet to give the game to Kentucky. Last year, we lost in Lexington, just before Washington, a team that we beat on their home court, beat Kentucky on their way to the Final Four.
Kentucky is difficult to read this year. They rolled over six very weak teams and lost in their only game against quality, to Colorado in Boulder. Seem to be good at home.
They outshoot their opposition by about 46-31% from the field, and they get more free throws than their opponents, although shooting only 70% from the line. They are about like us from three, about 33%. They slightly outrebound their opponents and average about four fewer turnovers per game.
After last year, Kentucky lost a starter due to transfer, and another key reserve also transferred. Epps and Ekhator are back, as is Morris. But, they do have some new faces, and they appear to be only seven deep, maybe due to the rash of transfers.
Since they have played so many teams like Albany, Morehead State, Samford, and New Hampshire, they are difficult to get a read on. They did catch Miami (F) in Lexington. All games except Colorado were at home.
They are up to #9 in the rpi (OU is #7). In the AP, we are #12, and they are #17. Seems about right. But, thus far, it seems that nobody is beating a ranked team on their home court. It would be nice if we were to do that.
