When I saw the schedule back in the fall, I thought to myself that the likely spot for Kentucky to suffer its first loss was tonight's game against UConn at Madison Square Garden.  First is its position right after the emotional battle with North Carolina, which I figured the Cats would win if only because they were playing at home.  Second, UConn presents the best matchup yet for the Cats' dynamic backcourt duo of John Wall and Eric Bledsoe.  Third, UConn always blocks a lot of shots, so that could put a greater  premium on knocking down outside shots and that is not a strength of this UK team--at least not yet.

Now, that we're a few months removed from just looking at the game on paper, I still think it's a dangerous spot for the Cats but their will to win is so strong that they may be one of those teams that just finds a way to win.  I think rebounding is a big key and there's no way Kentucky wins without a big game from Patrick Patterson.  John Wall  had his breakout game v. UNC and Patterson's could come tonight.

v. Louisville
September 2 / 3:30pm eastern
listen on UK-IMG Sports Network
See full schedule