Kentucky Wildcats Set to Face Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Rupp Arena.
The Kentucky Wildcats (5-0), off to their best start since the 2016-17 season, are preparing for a clash with in-state foe Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Rupp Arena. Despite the schools being just two hours apart, this will be only the eighth meeting between the programs and just the fourth during the regular season.
Western Kentucky, under first-year head coach Hank Plona, brings experience and talent to the matchup. Plona, previously an assistant coach, takes the reins of a team that returns several key contributors, including Don McHenry, a Conference USA First-Team selection. The Hilltoppers were picked to finish second in the league during preseason projections, making them a formidable test for the Wildcats.
Ranked 129th in KenPom, WKU is the second-highest-ranked opponent Kentucky has faced so far this season, following their earlier game against Duke.
What to Watch For:
Kentucky’s Depth and Hot Shooting
The Wildcats have showcased their offensive firepower early in the season, led by sharpshooter Kobe Brea, who has been lethal from beyond the arc. Kentucky’s ability to spread the floor and dominate on both ends will be key to maintaining their momentum.
The Don McHenry Factor
McHenry’s ability to create and score will be a critical factor for the Hilltoppers. If he can find his rhythm, WKU could challenge Kentucky’s defense.
Coaching Matchup
Hank Plona’s adjustments against Mark Pope’s Wildcats will be worth monitoring. WKU will likely need a disciplined approach to keep up with Kentucky’s fast-paced offense.
- The game provides Kentucky with a chance to further solidify their top-10 ranking and maintain their unbeaten record, while Western Kentucky looks to make a statement against their highly-ranked neighbors.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers: Game Preview
As the Wildcats gear up to face the Hilltoppers in Rupp Arena on Tuesday, November 26th, 2024, here’s a breakdown of the opposing players to watch, stats to know, and predictions for this highly anticipated in-state matchup.
Opposing Players to Watch
- G Don McHenry (6’2”, 168 lbs)
• 17.2 PPG, 2.2 SPG
• 2024 Conference USA First-Team selection
• McHenry is a scoring guard with elite defensive instincts, capable of creating havoc on both ends of the floor. - F Babacar Faye (6’8”, 215 lbs)
• 15.0 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 48% FG
• A strong presence in the paint who contributes on both ends, Faye will be key to WKU’s chances of keeping the game close. - G Julius Thedford (6’4”, 190 lbs)
• 11.4 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 54.5% 3P
• Thedford’s shooting efficiency from deep makes him a dangerous floor spacer who can punish Kentucky’s defense if left open.
Game Information
• Time: 6:30 PM ET
• Location: Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky
• TV: ESPNU (Announcers: Roy Philpott, Pat Bradley)
• Streaming: ESPN+ and ESPN app
• Radio: UK Sports Radio Network (Tom Leach, Jack Givens)
• Replay: WatchESPN, SEC Network
Statistics to Know
• KenPom Ratings:
• Kentucky: Top 10
• Western Kentucky: 129th
• Kentucky enters with a 96% chance to win per KenPom, with predictions favoring a 16-20 point margin of victory.
Predictions
• KenPom: Kentucky 88-69
• Haslametrics: Kentucky 92-70
• Bart Torvik: Kentucky 90-74
• EvanMiya: Kentucky 87-67
Expect the Wildcats’ depth and shooting efficiency, led by sharpshooter Koby Brea, to overpower the Hilltoppers. However, WKU’s stars, particularly McHenry and Faye, will test Kentucky’s defense.
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