THREE TO WATCH: Blakeney, Reath and Sampson
Kentucky continues to play lackluster basketball but will look to get back on the right path hosting struggling LSU on Tuesday.
The Tigers are tied for last in the SEC and have just one conference win on the season, a win against fellow last place team Missouri in early January. The Tigers have lost nine straight since that win.
Three to Watch:
Antonio Blakeney: 6-foot-4, 197-pound sophomore. He's averaging 15.6 points, five rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. He originally committed to Louisville before sticking with LSU. He was interviewed by the NCAA for his involvement with Katina Powell.
Duop Reath: 6-foot-10, 235-pound junior. He's averaging 13.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game. A former three-star recruit from Lee Community College in Baytown, Texas.
Brandon Sampson: 6-foot-5, 193-pound sophomore. Sampson is averaging 10.9 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. Although Blakeney is LSU's best three-point shooter, Sampson isn't far behind and has hit 29 threes on the year.
STRENGTHS:
Antonio Blakeney: Blakeney was once a major Kentucky target that would have likely ended up in Lexington if John Calipari didn't zero in on Malik Newman. Blakeney is quick off the dribble, he's good at drawing fouls and his outside shot has improved during his sophomore campaign. Blakeney will have to have a big scoring night if LSU is going to keep things close, but he's failed to score double-digits in three of his last four games.
Duop Reath: Reath is a bit of a mystery as not many people know about his game but he's having a nice season for the Tigers and could be one of the better bigs in the conference next season. Reath can score inside on the block but can also stretch the floor and knockdown jumpers. He's not overly aggressive but has a solid touch and is the Tigers best rebounder. He's coming off career high 16 rebound and 16 point game in a loss to Texas A&M.
Brandon Sampson: Sampson doesn't put it on the floor as well as Blakeney but he is a solid shooter. He's been shooting more threes as of late and if he's open there's a solid chance he hits the shot. Kentucky has to be able to find him on the floor.
WEAKNESSES:
Antonio Blakeney: While Blakeney's shot has improved from his freshman season it's still not a strength. He is much more comfortable going to the rim but length bothers Blakeney and he can go missing in games if he doesn't get going early.
Duop Reath: Reath isn't the most physical player so don't expect him to bang with Bam on the block. Reath will try to score over Bam or spread the floor and knockdown shots. He doesn't shoot many free throws and he's not a great defender. He falls for pump fakes and has found himself in foul trouble in multiple SEC games.
Brandon Sampson: Sampson turns the ball over and in-your-face defense will force him to make poor decisions. Sampson doesn't create for himself and will only hurt the Cats if he's left open or if other UK defenders leave him to double other players.
MATCHUPS:
Antonio Blakeney: Isaiah Briscoe. One of Kentucky's best defenders should guard the guy that makes it happen for the Tigers. These two have played against one another several times in AAU, all-star games and twice last season. If Briscoe slows down Blakeney the Cats win large.
Duop Reath: Bam Adebayo. This should be another good test for Adebayo. Teams have been trying to go at Adebayo to get him in foul trouble but that's not Reath's style. Does he change his game to try and put Adebayo on the bench? If he does and Adebayo is patient then that will be an advantage for Kentucky. Adebayo will have to find Reath of the glass as he is an ever-improving rebounder.
Brandon Sampson: Malik Monk/De'Aaron Fox. Both Monk and Fox have struggled defensively this season but Sampson shouldn't cause either fits. If Sampson beats either off the dribble that will be very concerning for Kentucky. As long as Monk/Fox knows where Sampson is, they should be fine.