UK vs Wisconsin

[pisgah101]

Since most will be focused on our match up and rightfully so I thought we could have a thread discussing this game too and what we thought would happen and who we want to win and play for the championship against (if we win as well) to me Wisky can play the same spread out game that ND played and be very successful. If that play that way and Frank and Sam show up big again I see them moving on. Also I doubt Towns will own them like he did ND since Wisky can throw bigger bodies at him

 

[FearTheBeard]

Many will disagree with me, but, if Duke beats Mich St., I want Kentucky. That way, Duke will have beaten every Final Four team, and 6 of the 7 other Elite 8 schools (Arizona being the only one Duke didn't beat).

 

[LastWaltz]

Flags fly forever and I don't need to be a hero so give me Wiscy. They won't be easy but we do not match up with Kentucky at all.

 

[dadecodevil]

I think this is going to be a dog fight. I think the game will go down to the last minute. I hope Im wrong, but I think Kentucky pulls it out. BUT if Wisconsin's front court plays well, and gets to the foul line, Wisconsin will advance and get a rematch, with Sparty or us.

 

[skysdad]

It's simple for me. UNC is the my #1 team that I not only want to never win another championship but never to win another game in anything. They are the only program that I would pull for UK to win. With that said no way am I hoping UK be in the finals whether it's us or MSU in the finals. OFC

 

[dukiejay]

I actually think UK will win by about 10.

 

[youngman42]

So much of CBB is matchups. ND had the kind of team and talent to match up well with UK.

On the surface Wisconsin has a good team to match up with UK because of their size. But, they don't have quickness to put pressure on UK's D.

I would love for Wisconsin to win - UK is the second most disliked team for me after UNC (though I have to admit this UK team as a team and the way it plays is easy to like - esp. Willie Cauly-Stein).

I would also hate to play UK in the final. Esp. as good as this team plays.

 

[The Dude#]

Originally posted by youngman42:
So much of CBB is matchups. ND had the kind of team and talent to match up well with UK.

On the surface Wisconsin has a good team to match up with UK because of their size. But, they don't have quickness to put pressure on UK's D.

I would love for Wisconsin to win - UK is the second most disliked team for me after UNC (though I have to admit this UK team as a team and the way it plays is easy to like - esp. Willie Cauly-Stein).

I would also hate to play UK in the final. Esp. as good as this team plays.

The quickness point is reasonable, but I still think the Wisconsin frontline presents all kinds of problems for Kentucky. First, they have NBA size (and skill). Cauley-Stein can check anyone of them, but he can't check all of them. IMO, Towns cannot guard any of the 3 on the perimeter, which is where they will be. I also think the Badger guards can hold their own against the Harrisons, who have been clutch, but are by no means dominant. I wish Bo would play Showalter more than Jackson who just seems rusty. Maybe another week will help knock off the rust, but Showalter did more good things the last two games than Jackson.

I think this game is a toss-up, and I would take the Badgers straight up.

 

[HuffyJB]

Originally posted by FearTheBeard:
Many will disagree with me, but, if Duke beats Mich St., I want Kentucky. That way, Duke will have beaten every Final Four team, and 6 of the 7 other Elite 8 schools (Arizona being the only one Duke didn't beat).

I actually agree. MSU is a tough task, and UK would be considerably tougher, but you can't do something great without opportunity. I'm sure many Duke fans in 91 were hoping someone else would upset UNLV so that they did not have to see them again. But no one did, and Duke seized the opportunity and had a historic tournament moment. This could be that kind of moment.

As far as UK vs Wis., Wis is similar to ND is several ways: great passers, can score from all five spots, experienced. They are also bigger and better than ND. Does that mean they beat UK? I don't think so, but I think they have a real shot.

 

[Xzander]

Depends on the refs alittle. I watched that Wis vs Zona game and frank flopped more then a fish out of water. I can see first time Uk gets towns the ball down low, frank will fall back 5-10 feet with out being touched. Wish the ncaa would clean this up.

Lets face it any of the final four are good enough to win the next two games. If Wis shoots like they did again zona no one is beating them. Think they were 83% in the second half(10-12) but still only won by 7. Unc had them then lost it in the end.

Both wis and UK know how to close out games.

No lead with any time left is safe.

Should be a great game, but think UK wins

 

[JCColsCane]

If Wisconsin can control the pace of the game, stay out of foul trouble, and shoot like they did against Arizona, they have a shot. If any one of these does not happen, they have no shot of winning.
No matter how you like to look at it, Kentucky is the real deal.
Go Duke!!


JC-OFC

 

[Showenuff]

In the tourney, your team always has that "great" night where everything goes right. I think Wisconsin spent there's last game. Kentucky by 12-15.

 

[uk_fan_in_tn]

I think this is an easier matchup for us than ND was. Wisconsin's guards are not as quick, so I don't think they'll be able to spread the floor and penetrate as well as ND did. Frank Kaminsky is the only player for Wisconsin taller than 6'9, so they don't really have that great of size. I don't think he can guard Towns 1-on-1 either. I think Cal will feed Towns early and often and try to get Kaminsky in foul trouble. WCS can keep Kaminsky in check on the other end. It's hard to look at the matchup last year, and not be confident either.

 

[The Dude#]

^Dekker is a matchup problem for Kentucky, and anyone else in the country.

 

[spike05rk]

I know a lot of people here have been screaming they want Kentucky, but I really don't want to play them. I think they have to many big guys for us to handle, Okafor has had trouble scoring against mediocre bigs in the Utah and San Diego State games. So bring on Wisconsin. Well not putting the horse before the cart, if we beat Mich State bring on Wisconsin. OFC

 

[uk_fan_in_tn]

Originally posted by The Dude#:
^Dekker is a matchup problem for Kentucky, and anyone else in the country.

Dekker is definitely a good player, but I don't think he presents much of a matchup problem for us. Trey Lyles is 6'10 250 and moves well on the perimeter, I would expect him to check Dekker.

 

[madrussian]

the badgers shot what 10/12 from 3 in the second half against Zona. that will do in any team - including kentucky. i too believe the guard play on wisconsin will be what tips the scales towards kentucky. our guards broke them down too easily and it led to a lot of easy buckets.

but there is a reason why they play these things. maybe wisconsin shoots lights out and puts a lot of pressure on the kentucky bigs.

 

[HuffyJB]

Wisconsin would need something close to that ridiculous second half shooting against Arizona, and what are the odds of that happening two games in a row?

I guess the flip side of that is that UK got incredibly lucky with the way ND played down the stretch, and the multiple possessions they completely wasted. Do they get that kind of lucky twice in a row?

 

[2 skerz 3]

Originally posted by spike05rk:

I know a lot of people here have been screaming they want Kentucky, but I really don't want to play them. I think they have to many big guys for us to handle, Okafor has had trouble scoring against mediocre bigs in the Utah and San Diego State games. So bring on Wisconsin. Well not putting the horse before the cart, if we beat Mich State bring on Wisconsin. OFC

UK won't double like Utah and SDSU did! Their bigs didn't keep Jah in check, there double teams did and how'd that work out for them?

 

[gottagonow]

If UK plays to their abilities they will beat Wiscy by 20. I also feel UK will easily win if both teams play their average game. Good possibility that one of them plays well and one doesn't. If UK doesn't play well its anybody game.

Notre Dame played great and still lost.

 

[Crank_it_loud]

Lol at people sleeping on Wisky. UK better be ready for a war, and a tougher game than ND.

 

[GoDuke'13]

When the brackets were released, I had Wisconsin playing Duke in the final (with us winning of course), so Ill stick with my pick. I really do think Wisconsin can beat UK and will.

 

[kycats4383]

Wisconsin is a GREAT basketball team and we will be fortunate to win. I, for one, am excited to be where we are. The 38-0 and all of the perfection stuff is great, but there are 3 other really good basketball teams ahead of us . If we lose, this has been a very fun season and I will support our guys in losing the same I have supported them in winning. All four of our teams are undefeated right now and all will play their hearts out for the name on the front of their jersey. That is truly a special thing.

I am glad I have tickets, but the last time I was in Indy, I had to watch your boys win the title. If we lose Saturday, there will be a single for sale... Good luck and I hope we both win as I think it will be one of the most anticipated title games ever. That is what CBB is all about for me, watching the best teams battle it out.

 

[spike05rk]

UK won't double like Utah and SDSU did! Their bigs didn't keep Jah in check, there double teams did and how'd that work out for them?

SDS and Zag bigs do not compare to Kentucky's bigs.

 

[GTHC_ GTH!]

ND was arguably the best team that Uk faced all year. And Kentucky was used to the last second. They can be beaten. Wisconsin can do it. As far as who I would like to see for the title, I don't think either is ideal.

I don't want to see Wisconsin again. We beat them at their place. They will absolutely be looking for revenge. They have tap on us, have played us and will have a good idea as to what to expect.

Kentucky is the better team of the two and I guess I would rather face UK than Wisconsin. Are they better? yes. But Duke has more if time pro prospects that any team UK would have faced. The size they have could be trouble, but I bet Duke used some zone and with Okafor and Plumlee at the same time. Duke can make baskets which is important to beat UK. And, I like the idea that they haven't faced us. They may not be ready for Winslow and his strength and attack mode. They may not be ready for a PG like Tyus than can control a game. And, they have periods where they don't score easily. Duke may be able to stay close because UK keeps it close. Plus, and I think this is aHUGE plus, we have Coach K and they have Cal. I would think that K would find some way to negate their size and use our strengths and finding their weaknesses. And, let's not think that the pressure of finishing undefeated might cause some nerves, etc for UK.


Ultimately, I don't care who Duke faces. Both are great teams and will be a huge challenge. But, Duke would be playing for the national title, so who cares?

 

[CatFan1720]

Originally posted by The Dude#:

Originally posted by youngman42:
So much of CBB is matchups. ND had the kind of team and talent to match up well with UK.

On the surface Wisconsin has a good team to match up with UK because of their size. But, they don't have quickness to put pressure on UK's D.

I would love for Wisconsin to win - UK is the second most disliked team for me after UNC (though I have to admit this UK team as a team and the way it plays is easy to like - esp. Willie Cauly-Stein).

I would also hate to play UK in the final. Esp. as good as this team plays.

The quickness point is reasonable, but I still think the Wisconsin frontline presents all kinds of problems for Kentucky. First, they have NBA size (and skill). Cauley-Stein can check anyone of them, but he can't check all of them. IMO, Towns cannot guard any of the 3 on the perimeter, which is where they will be. I also think the Badger guards can hold their own against the Harrisons, who have been clutch, but are by no means dominant. I wish Bo would play Showalter more than Jackson who just seems rusty. Maybe another week will help knock off the rust, but Showalter did more good things the last two games than Jackson.

I think this game is a toss-up, and I would take the Badgers straight up.

I'm alittle worried about Towns guarding on the perimeter also. I didn't get to see the Wiscy vs Duke game, how did Okafor handle guarding out on the perimeter? Good luck against MSU.

 

[dukedevilz]

Originally posted by gottagonow:
If UK plays to their abilities they will beat Wiscy by 20. I also feel UK will easily win if both teams play their average game. Good possibility that one of them plays well and one doesn't. If UK doesn't play well its anybody game.

Notre Dame played great and still lost.

Calipari claims UK didn't play great and ND controlled the game. Don't buy into that garbage. ND made 4 out 14 three-pointers - they weren't exactly lighting it up. They played good, but not great. You can argue 46.4 FG% is great compared to Kentucky's defensive standards, but ND had the #2 most efficient offense in the country. They SHOULD shoot that if not better; they didn't shoot out of their minds... Kentucky on the other hand doesn't miss a field goal in the final 12 minutes and Cal still thinks they played poorly. Please.

Now as far as the game this weekend is concerned (games is a lot closer to 50-50 than most people think), I think it could go either way - It depends if Kentucky is able to effectively check Dekker and Kaminsky in my opinion. Kentucky will score a decent amount of points (probably similar to ND game), but can the Badgers find a way to maneuver around the tall trees and get high-percentage looks? I like Wisconsin to pull off the upset.

 

[likelarry901]

Defense wins games in the tourney. Who has the best defense?

When our coach says we didn't play well it's more on breakdowns or mental mistakes. But the defense will be there,
especially in the last 5 minute when the other team is tired.

Look at the stats, of all the games we played that were close, we dominated the last 2-5 minutes because we still have fresh legs and our defense was still as active as the first 5 minutes of the game.

Soooo- If it's close going into the last 5 minutes, we win, if it's not close we win.

 

[FearTheBeard]

Originally posted by likelarry901:

Defense wins games in the tourney. Who has the best defense?

When our coach says we didn't play well it's more on breakdowns or mental mistakes. But the defense will be there,
especially in the last 5 minute when the other team is tired.

Look at the stats, of all the games we played that were close, we dominated the last 2-5 minutes because we still have fresh legs and our defense was still as active as the first 5 minutes of the game.

Soooo- If it's close going into the last 5 minutes, we win, if it's not close we win.

So, you're saying there is no chance KY loses?

 

[dukedevilz]

I'll give Kentucky props, they don't get rattled. They have played extremely well in tight games - but on the other hand LSU, Ole Miss, and Notre Dame all could have won on the last play of the game(or regulation). UK didn't exactly pull away from these teams and put up double-digit victories. One lucky shot is all it's takes. Kentucky is the favorite, and deservedly so, but don't tell me they're unbeatable because that's the furthest thing from the truth.

This post was edited on 4/4 12:08 PM by dukedevilz

 

[likelarry901]

There is a chance that UK loses. But Wisconsin needs to be up about 10+ with 5 minutes to go to win. Other than that, I do not think they win if it's close going into 5 minutes or obviously if we are up big.


I can only go by what I have seen this year (and last year's tourney). In the close games this year, we have dominated the last 5 minutes. And the Twins have the ability to make big-time plays.

I haven't seen Wisconsin in close games so I don't know.

 

[dukedevilz]

I should throw Texas A&M into that bunch too. But yes, you're right, even in a tight game Kentucky should have the edge because as you mentioned they are a little fresher in the final five minutes. But they've flirted with the loss column several times now and one shot is all it takes to end the dream....

 

[FearTheBeard]

I'm not a fan of Colin Cowherd, but he did say something on his radio show yesterday that I agreed with.

Basically, this KY team is really good, but it's not one of the all-time greats...probably not even one of the all-time KY team greats. Cowherd said this KY team would get clobbered by some of the all-time teams like Houston's Phi Slamma Jamma, Georgetown in the 80s, 1999 Duke, 2005 UNC, or 2010 Kentucky.

This KY team is good, but no one is going to be shocked (1991 UNLV shocked) if they lose.

 

[KingOfSleaze]

Originally posted by FearTheBeard:
I'm not a fan of Colin Cowherd, but he did say something on his radio show yesterday that I agreed with.

Basically, this KY team is really good, but it's not one of the all-time greats...probably not even one of the all-time KY team greats. Cowherd said this KY team would get clobbered by some of the all-time teams like Houston's Phi Slamma Jamma, Georgetown in the 80s, 1999 Duke, 2005 UNC, or 2010 Kentucky.

This KY team is good, but no one is going to be shocked (1991 UNLV shocked) if they lose.

Cowherd knows nothing about college sports especially basketball. He's actually one of the dumbest people on ESPN. The teams mentioned here is reflected upon with a sense of nostalgia. Some of those teams weren't that great outside of two stars. I also, don't even think the 1999 Duke team is as good as the 2001 Duke team where Jay Williams lead the way and who I believe to be one of the top 5 best players in college basketball of the past 20 years. Houston doesn't belong on this list.

When you look at Kentucky as a starting five, I agree that they're not one of the best ever but that isn't what is so special about this team. Its the depth which is similar to the 1996 Kentucky team. Until or unless they win it all, you can't really gauge this team appropriately.

If I was looking back on the greatest teams of all time, I'd say..

UCLA- can't remember which year but Alcindor was on it. (68?)
96 Kentucky
92 Duke
82 UNC
72 UCLA

Yes, I left off the 76 Indiana team who I feel was not one of the top five best ever regardless of their record.

 

[Swim_Bike_Run]

UK line is down to -4.5. I find it really fascinating that the $$ is flowing to Wisconsin to cover. I'd love to see UK have to make a bunch of "38-1 but real close" t-shirts.

 

[dukedevilz]

One of the all-time great teams to never win the National Title, in my opinion, was the 1997 Kansas Jayhawks. They lost one game in the regular season in double overtime. Maybe because they lost in the Sweet 16 their dream season lost a little luster, but they were an absolute powerhouse throughout the year. Paul Pierce, Raef LaFrentz, Jacque Vaughn, Scott Pollard, Jerod Haase, Ryan Robertson, Billy Thomas. They lost a nail-biter to eventual national champions, Arizona.

You can argue that the 2001 Duke team was more talented as I'm sure that group of players has more collective years in the NBA Year than the 1999 team. Avery and Langdon fizzled out of the league in 3 years (I think Langdon chose to leave the league though). But the 99 Blue Devils were arguably the most dominant team in school history. They had 4 single-digit victories the entire season; two against Michigan State, one against St.John's on the road, and the other was on the road against GT. MSU made the final four and SJU made the Elite 8... and honestly the only win that came down to the wire was St.John's IIRC (and MSU chipped away from a big lead). In comparison, this year's Kentucky team has already had 8 single-digit victories already... The 1991 UNLV team was on a completely different level than the rest of the College Basketball World. They had 2 single-digit victories coming into the Duke FF game, and one of those was on the road against #2 Arkansas... Not being in a close game I'm sure hurt UNLV's chances, so at least this year's Kentucky team has that going for them. They know how to handle the tight games really well.

 

[Willcampbell]

I'm rooting almost as hard for Wisky as I am for Duke. I freakin' HATE Kentucky. I like UNC better.
OFC

 

[KingOfSleaze]

Originally posted by dukedevilz:
One of the all-time great teams to never win the National Title, in my opinion, was the 1997 Kansas Jayhawks. They lost one game in the regular season in double overtime. Maybe because they lost in the Sweet 16 their dream season lost a little luster, but they were an absolute powerhouse throughout the year. Paul Pierce, Raef LaFrentz, Jacque Vaughn, Scott Pollard, Jerod Haase, Ryan Robertson, Billy Thomas. They lost a nail-biter to eventual national champions, Arizona.

You can argue that the 2001 Duke team was more talented as I'm sure that group of players has more collective years in the NBA Year than the 1999 team. Avery and Langdon fizzled out of the league in 3 years (I think Langdon chose to leave the league though). But the 99 Blue Devils were arguably the most dominant team in school history. They had 4 single-digit victories the entire season; two against Michigan State, one against St.John's on the road, and the other was on the road against GT. MSU made the final four and SJU made the Elite 8... and honestly the only win that came down to the wire was St.John's IIRC (and MSU chipped away from a big lead). In comparison, this year's Kentucky team has already had 8 single-digit victories already... The 1991 UNLV team was on a completely different level than the rest of the College Basketball World. They had 2 single-digit victories coming into the Duke FF game, and one of those was on the road against #2 Arkansas... Not being in a close game I'm sure hurt UNLV's chances, so at least this year's Kentucky team has that going for them. They know how to handle the tight games really well.

Agree on that 1997 Kansas team. How they didn't win it is beyond me. They were easily the best team; totally loaded. Three one seeds made that Final Four but Kansas was the one that did not. Just wild stuff. Yeah, I think they're right there with the 91 UNLV team as the best to never win it.

In terms of the single-digit games, different eras. In 1999, you guys were actually pretty freakin' young. Maggette was a frosh, Avery, Brand, Battier were all sophs, Carrawell was a junior, and Langden was a senior.