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Pregame Shootaround: Will LSU be the team to end Kentucky’s undefeated run?

Vanderbilt v Kentucky

Devin Booker (Getty Images)

Getty Images

Game of the Night: No. 1 Kentucky at LSU, 7:00 p.m.

There’s been a lot of talk about LSU being the team that can upset Kentucky, but I’m not buying it. To beat the Wildcats, you need to be flawless on the defensive glass, you need to execute offensively and you need to be able to shoot the ball to spread out the Wildcat defense, the way Florida did for the first 10 minutes on Saturday. LSU doesn’t do that. They’re almost like a poor-man’s Kentucky, surviving on the effort and athleticism of their front line. And as good as Jordan Mickey and Jarrell Martin are, they’re not Kentucky’s front line.

Who’s Getting Upset?: No. 10 Notre Dame at Clemson, 7:00 p.m.

I do, however, think that Clemson can pick off the Irish tonight. The Tigers are a very good, sound defensive team, and when Notre Dame struggles, it’s because they can’t get Jerian Grant going offensively. How will Brad Brownell try to slow him down?

Five Things to Watch For

1. No. 8 Kansas at Texas Tech, 9:00 p.m.: Texas Tech picked off Iowa State at home two weeks ago. Kansas lost at Oklahoma State and nearly lost at TCU. Can the Red Raiders land the upset?

2. Georgetown at Seton Hall, 7:00 p.m.: Seton Hall is in a danger zone, as they follow this game up with trips to Providence, Villanova and St. John’s.

3. No. 24 Arkansas at Auburn, 9:00 p.m.: Arkansas has never been a good team on the road, and they’ll be tested tonight at Auburn, who is more talented than their record would indicate.

4. Xavier at Marquette, 9:00 p.m.: Xavier is on the tournament bubble right now, and to get on the right side, they’ll need to avoid dropping roadies like this.

5. New Mexico at Colorado State, 11:00 p.m.: The Mountain West has gone crazy. I’m convinced that literally anyone can beat anyone else in that league on a given night. Can the Lobos get a win they badly need in Ft. Collins?

Notables


  • No. 5 Wisconsin at Nebraska, 9:00 p.m.
  • Michigan State at Northwestern, 7:00 p.m.
  • Memphis at East Carolina, 7:00 p.m.
  • Cincinnati at Temple, 7:30 p.m.
  • Dayton at Saint Louis, 9:00 p.m.