Kentucky vs Western Kentucky – UK Athletics

During its undefeated start to the season, No. 8 Kentucky has taken care of its business, no matter the situation. The most famous win came against then No. 1.6 Duke in the Champions Classic. And while that’s certainly an impressive win, the Cats’ performance against other rivals is perhaps just as impressive.

Kentucky faced four other opponents (Wright State, Bucknell, Lipscomb and Jackson State) and the Cats took care of business in each of those games. UK has outscored these four opponents by an average of 36.8 points per game. Senior forward Andrew Carr thinks he knows why.

“There are probably a few things. “A lot of our guys are older, so that’s been a theme for the team,” Carr said. “Plus, Coach Pope does a great job of preaching to us that the biggest game of our careers is the next game. It’s really the reality, the biggest game we’ll ever play is Tuesday night against Western. It will just keep growing from there. He does a really good job of conveying that to us and making us feel that way.”

The Western Carr mentioned is Western Kentucky, which the Cats face on Tuesday night at Rupp Arena (6:30 ET, ESPNU). The Hilltoppers are 3-2 this season after defeating Jackson State 79-62 on Wednesday. Carr and the Cats have seen the Tops on tape.

“They seem to like to play super fast and aggressive,” Carr said. “Definitely a talented team. They’re going to come here and give us their best, so we’re excited.”

How can the Cats continue their perfect start?

“We’re still going to be us. We’re just trying to get better every day and learn to play with each other more,” Carr said. “We like to go out, play with joy and have fun together. I think that’s when we’re at our best.”

Kentucky has used its outside shooting for five games. The Cats have scored at least ten three-point baskets in each of their first five games, becoming the first British team to ever achieve this feat. Kentucky has made 63 three-pointers this season, more than twice as many (30) as its opponents against UK.

The next challenge for this team comes on Tuesday evening. The Cats will once again try to deal with what’s right in front of them instead of looking ahead.