LEXINGTON, KY - JANUARY 12: Ashton Hagans #2 of the Kentucky Wildcats shoots the ball against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Rupp Arena on January 12, 2019 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)The Kentucky Wildcats have been cruising through SEC play, but their next game might provide the toughest road challenge to date.
Although Kentucky dominates the all-time series against Auburn, this meeting will be very different. The Tigers are 13-3 and haven’t lost on their home court.
Road tests of this magnitude provide the Wildcats an opportunity to prove themselves among the best teams in the country. In addition, it’ll allow John Calipari to see how his freshmen respond to playing in a hostile environment.
However, one concern has to be the recent shooting slump for Keldon Johnson, who went scoreless in 27 minutes of action against Georgia.
With Kentucky steadily rising up the polls each week, another victory would definitely elevate them into the top 10.
The biggest mismatch for the Wildcats should take place in the frontcourt, as PJ Washington and Reid Travis can essentially have a breakout performance on any given night.
When you consider how many SEC teams look really strong this year, it’ll be crucial for both Auburn and Kentucky to remain toward the top half of the conference standings.
We win or we learn. But we wouldn't mind doing both during this difficult stretch coming up. Opportunity awaits.#DreamBIG pic.twitter.com/jvTw5NTnOI
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) January 17, 2019
Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. ET from Auburn Arena.
ESPN will broadcast the action with Bob Wischusen and Dick Vitale on the call.
