Kentucky didn’t miss PJ Washington too much on Thursday, as they beat up on the Abilene Christian Wildcats and won 79-44, and will take on the Wofford Terriers in the Round of 32 after the Terriers went on 17-0 in the final four minutes to close out Seton Hall.

The Terriers are riding the longest active winning streak in the country at 21 wins and are in the middle of the best season in their 24 season history and will give Kentucky their best shot on Saturday.

Lets take a look at the sharpshooting Terriers and what Kentucky needs to do be successful.

Defend the Three and Fletcher Magee (I am aware it rhymes)

If you have watched the slightest bit of college basketball this season, this should be a given.

Wofford is the second best three-point shooting team in the country, ranking second in three-pointers made (377) and three-point percentage (41.8% 3P). The three-point shot is the only

The star of the Terriers, Fletcher Magee will come into Saturday as the NCAA Division 1 all time leader in three pointers made with (505). This season, 74% of Magee’s shots have come from the perimeter and he is shooting more accurate than Steph Curry’s senior season with more attempts.

• Steph Curry 2008-09: 38.7% 3P, 130-336
• Fletcher Magee 2018-19: 43.3% 3P, 158-365

Kentucky will have to guard the perimeter more than any other game this season and that is something they have struggled with at times this season, especially early. However, the Cat’s have improve their perimeter defense from the start of SEC play.

The Cats will have to go against Cal’s philosophy to double team on the drive in order to prevent open outside looks. It’s simple math, giving up a layup is better than a wide open three.

Take Advantage of Offensive Opportunities

Kentucky is bigger, stronger, faster, and overall more superior at absolutely every position on the court. While Wofford is an elite shooting, they are not so hot on the defensive end.

The Terriers have played five games against NCAA tournament teams this season, and have allowed 70 or more points in all of them.

With Kentucky’s superiority, we should see the frontcourt have one of their biggest games of the season. With that mindset, it would be a big help if the Cats are able to draw fouls on the Wofford starters. Simply, there should be no excuse to settle for outside shots.

However, if Wofford shoots 40% or higher from three Kentucky will have to answer. With only three players shooting over 35% from three (Herro, Johnson, Quickley), that could be an issue.

John Calipari has told us all that this is the best shooting team he has had at Kentucky. While that may appear to be true on paper, it hasn’t been proven to be true on the court. Saturday would be a great day to show it, and a big opportunity for Jemarl Baker.

Stay out of Foul Trouble

There are usually two main factors in an NCAA tournament upset, great shooting and opponent foul trouble.

The Terriers are going to pump fake and drive it inside to draw fouls any chance they get, in an effort to try to put Kentucky’s starters on the bench and try to “level out” the playing field. Kentucky has broken the “don’t foul a jumpshooter” amendment so many times this season, and they will have to show discipline on Saturday.

Scott Padgett on if Kentucky should be Worried

Scott Padgett, a key player of the 1998 Kentucky championship team, is now the head coach of Samford. As a member of the Southern Conference, Samford has faced off against Wofford Twice this season, giving Padgett some firsthand insight.

Rick Bozich of WDRB, asked Padgett if the Cats should be worried of the Terriers and had this to say:

 “Yes”

 “Now, let me say that if Kentucky comes out and respects Wofford as a team, takes it seriously and doesn’t look at their name and think they’re some mid-major they’re just going to roll, Kentucky should win the game. If they treat it the way the way coach (John) Calipari will tell them to treat it, they’ll be fine.

“But if they just show up, this isn’t some team they’re just going to roll. They’ve prepared and scheduled for this opportunity for several years. Wofford is a damn good team.”

Prediction

The Terriers only hope this weekend is to catch fire from three, but they are more than capable of doing that and showed it in the first round
hitting 46.4% of their 28 attempts against Seton Hall. All four of the Terriers’ losses are considered be quadrant 1 losses, three of them coming against teams Kentucky has beaten: North Carolina, Mississippi St., and Kansas.

Even without PJ Washington, the Wildcats have the talent and tools necessary to win. It will be harder but but I expect that Cats to win with their talent and athleticism.

Kentucky: 79

Wofford: 75