Three things to watch as the Kentucky Wildcats faceoff with Saint Joseph's

This Saint Joseph's team is one that could give the Cats trouble.

Author:
Andrew Stefaniak
Publish date:
Nov 20, 2023 12:49 PM EST

In this story:

The Kentucky Wildcats are set to face of with a Saint Joseph's team that could come into Rupp Arena and give the Cats trouble.

The Hawks lost to Texas A&M-Commerce, but Saint Joe's is the better basketball team, and this game was a bit fluky.

Let's take a look at three things to pay attention to as the Wildcats face off with the Saint Joseph's Hawks.

Saint Joe's can shoot and will shoot

Nov 6, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Reed Sheppard (15) guards New Mexico State Aggies guard Jaylin Jackson-Posey (0) during the second half at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports — © Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

The Hawks LOVE to shoot three-pointers. Four games into this season, Saint Joseph's is averaging 31.3 three-point attempts a game, and they can make them. People always talk about how teams come into Rupp Arena and shoot lights out. If that happens in this game, the Cats will lose because whether they go in or not, Saint Joe's will jack up some threes. This means the Cats need to close out, so every three Saint Joe's shoots is contested. If Kentucky leaves shooters open in this game, it could be a tight one. Coach Cal understands that Saint Joe's likes to shoot, and he will have the team ready.

Saint Joseph's turns the ball over

Oct 27, 2023; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Tre Mitchell (4) runs down the court during the first half against the Georgetown Tigers at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports — © Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Saint Joseph's is averaging 11 turnovers a game this season, which will give the Cats an opportunity to run. Opposing coaches have been talking all season long about how good the Cats are in transition, and this will be important against the Hawks. Kentucky is much more athletic than Saint Joe's, and they need to use that athleticism by scoring a ton of transition baskets. If the Cats score a bunch of baskets in transition, they will win this game with ease.

This is an older Saint Joseph's team

Nov 10, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari walks off the court after the game against the Texas A&M Commerce Lions at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports — © Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Saint Joseph's is a veteran basketball team that has been around for a while. Older players who can shoot scare me if I am a Kentucky basketball fan. Kentucky needs to be smart with the basketball, which they have early in the season, but this trend needs to continue. The Hawks have quick hands and are averaging seven steals per game. Road environments don't affect veteran players as much as young guys, so this Hawks team will be ready. Kentucky needs to play a solid game in all phases against Saint Joe's to avoid a Monday night scare in Rupp Arena.