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No. 1 Kentucky visits No. 4 Louisville Saturday
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Published: 12/27/2014  at  4:44:00 AM
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KENTUCKY WILDCATS (12-0)

at LOUISVILLE CARDINALS (11-0)

KFC Yum! Center – Louisville, KY
Tip-off: Saturday, 2:00 p.m. ET
Line: Kentucky -4

Two undefeated teams clash on Saturday as No. 1 Kentucky travels to No. 4 Louisville.

Kentucky (7-4-1 ATS, 10-2 UNDER) and Louisville (4-5 ATS, 4-3 OVER) played twice last year, with the Wildcats winning both games. One of those games was a Sweet 16 battle, with Kentucky winning in the final seconds. The Wildcats have been their very best in the toughest games this season, winning by an average of 19.3 PPG against three ranked teams. The Cardinals have not played near the tough schedule the Wildcats have, as Louisville has only one victory against a Top 25 foe (Indiana). Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino has had a ton of success against his former team (Kentucky), as he has a record of 5-10 against the school. Kentucky has won six of the past seven matchups against Louisville.

Which in-state rival will remain unbeaten this season? For the latest college basketball picks, check out The Platinum Sheet for all the Expert picks. The five experts are led by StatFox Gary's strong 63% ATS record (20-12), while StatFox Zach is 55% ATS (18-15) and StatFox Brian is 53% ATS (17-15) to open the season. StatFox Scott is a perfect 4-0 ATS since Tuesday.

The Wildcats have been very good in nearly every facet of the game this season, as Kentucky leads the country in blocks (8.7 BPG) and is second in scoring defense (47.7 PPG allowed). The club also ranks 12th in the nation rebounding (41.6 RPG), 15th in assists (17.3 APG), 37th in scoring (76.8 PPG) and 48th in shooting (47.5% from the field). Kentucky has had a lot of balance on the offensive end of the court, with seven players averaging from 7.7 PPG to 10.6 PPG. Leading the way for the Wildcats is SG Aaron Harrison (10.6 PPG, 2.2 APG and 2.0 RPG), despite having some problems shooting the ball (38% FG, 27 % threes). The best player on the season for Kentucky has been C Willie Cauley-Stein (10.5 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.8 BPG), who has improved leaps and bounds from last season. There are thoughts that he would have gone to the NBA before his injury in the NCAA Tournament. However, he has especially improved on the offensive end of the floor, where he is shooting 62% FG. The Wildcats have adjusted to a platoon style where they substitute five players in at a time, and they have been able to wear out opponents. PF Karl Anthony-Towns (8.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG and 2.6 BPG) has come in as a freshman and become an immediate impact type player for head coach John Calipari. If Kentucky is able to get a lead in this game, depth could definitely come into play.

While the Cardinals do not have the depth of Kentucky, the starting five of Louisville is as good as there is in college basketball. The Cardinals rank 3rd in the nation in rebounding (44.8 RPG), 34th in scoring (77.3 PPG), 149th in assists (13.3 APG) and 151st in shooting (44.1 % from the field). They are also excellent defensively, ranking 8th in the nation in scoring defense (54.4 PPG allowed), 4th in steals (11.0 SPG) and 6th in blocks (7.2 BPG). SG Terry Rozier (16.7 PPG, 5.5 RPG and 2.4 APG) has emerged as a terrific scorer for the Cardinals, after being just a role player this season. The 6-foot-1 guard from Ohio has filled in nicely for Russ Smith from last season, while also showing the ability to be an elite defender (2.1 SPG). Inside, the Cardinals have one of the best players in college basketball in C Montrezl Harrell (16.7 PPG, 10.0 RPG and 1.1 BPG). Harrell missed the last game because of a suspension against Western Kentucky, but he will be back and ready to play for the Cardinals. While Kentucky has more guys on the frontcourt, Harrell is the most talented player in this game. PG Chris Jones (12.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG and 3.0 APG) and SF Wayne Blackshear (13.7 PPG, 6.1 RPG and 2.1 APG) are two players on this team that will need to have a big game in order for the Cardinals to get the victory.


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