A look at Game 4 For The Wildcats Tuesday Night Against The Lipscomb Bisons!
It’s been a week to remember for the Kentucky Wildcats and Big Blue Nation, as the men’s and women’s basketball teams delivered historic victories.
The men’s basketball team defeated the No. 6 Duke Blue Devils in the Champions Classic, marking their first win against Duke since 2015. Shortly after, the women’s basketball team followed suit with a victory over the No. 20 Louisville Cardinals, also their first win against their in-state rivals since 2015.
These monumental wins made it a celebratory week in Lexington, highlighting the strength of Kentucky’s basketball programs and energizing fans across the state.
After their thrilling win over Duke, the Kentucky Wildcats must refocus as they prepare to face the Lipscomb Bisons on Tuesday. This will be just the second meeting between the two programs, with Kentucky winning the first matchup 67-49 at home back in 2005.
The Bisons, coached by Lennie Acuff in his sixth season, are a formidable mid-major team and the preseason favorites to win the Atlantic Sun Conference. They are one of the most experienced squads in college basketball, averaging 2.71 years of experience per player. Lipscomb has already proven their competitiveness this season with a road win over Duquesne, a home win over Wofford, and a strong showing against Arkansas, where they stayed within four points late into the second half.
Known for their disciplined play and ability to avoid mistakes, Lipscomb poses a sneaky challenge for Kentucky, making this matchup one the Wildcats cannot overlook.
While the Lipscomb Bisons enter the matchup with a 2-3 record, their losses have been narrow, falling to Belmont and Western Kentucky by a combined six points. This underscores their competitiveness and resilience, making their record misleading.
Lipscomb has a history of being a strong mid-major program, and with their experience and discipline, they are more than capable of challenging the Wildcats if Kentucky doesn’t bring their A-game. For the Cats, this is a game that requires focus and preparation to avoid any letdown after their breakthrough win over Duke.
Size Advantage
One of the key factors in this game will be Kentucky’s significant size advantage over Lipscomb. The Bisons, averaging just 76.6 inches (6’4.6”) in height, rank 281st nationally in size, which is one reason they rely on a 2-3 zone defense. This matchup offers Kentucky the opportunity to dominate the boards and control the paint.
The Wildcats’ big men, including Amari Williams, Brandon Garrison, and Andrew Carr, are poised for big performances, with another double-double likely from this group. Additionally, Kentucky could use this game to test smaller lineups featuring Ansley Almonor, Koby Brea, and potentially Otega Oweh at the 4. While Oweh hasn’t played much at the power forward spot this season, he did so occasionally during his time at Oklahoma, making this a good opportunity for experimentation.
Opposing Players to Watch
Despite their size disadvantage, Lipscomb has key players capable of making an impact:
• G Will Pruitt (6’3”, 195 lbs)
• 14.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 3.0 APG
• A career 40.8% shooter from 3, Pruitt is a reliable scorer and playmaker.
• F Jacob Ognacevic (6’8”, 220 lbs)
• 23.5 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 53.3% FG
• Lipscomb’s go-to scorer and a strong inside-outside threat, Ognacevic will be the Wildcats’ biggest defensive challenge.
• G Joe Anderson (6’0”, 175 lbs)
• 9.8 PPG, 4.3 APG, 2.3 SPG
• Anderson is a scrappy guard who contributes across the board, particularly with his passing and defense.
Takeaway
Kentucky’s superior size and rebounding should allow them to control the game, but they’ll need to stay sharp defensively, especially against Lipscomb’s key scorers. This game offers a chance for the Wildcats to solidify their rotations and maintain momentum following their big win over Duke.
Game Information: Lipscomb vs. Kentucky
• Date/Time: November 19, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET
• Location: Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky
• TV Channel: Not available on traditional TV (streaming only)
• Online Stream:
• SEC Network+
• ESPN+
• ESPN app
• Radio:
• Tom Leach and Jack Givens on the UK Sports Radio Network
• Replay:
• Available on WatchESPN and SEC Network (check local listings).
The game offers Kentucky fans another chance to see their Wildcats in action as they look to continue their momentum following their big win over Duke. Fans can tune in through multiple streaming platforms or catch the action live at Rupp Arena.
