At 7:30 p.m. ET the country's most-hyped collection of freshmen will take their home court in Lexington at Rupp Arena as the No. 4 ranked Kentucky Wildcats (3-1) take on the University of Texas-Arlington (2-2) in college basketball action that can be live streamed here free. Texas-Arlington fans can listen to the game on KKGM-AM, while Kentucky fans may do the same on WKYM 101.7.
Despite a loss to top-ranked Michigan State, there's not much strife in Wildcat land these days. Thing are looking so rosy for Kentucky that head coach John Calipari's decision to insert Marcus Lee for tip-offs instead of seven-footer Willie Cauley Stein has become news.
"I said, 'Willie, if you're not going to get the jump ball I'm going to start Marcus,'" Calipari said. "He said, 'OK.' I said, 'OK, so I'll start Marcus,' and that's why I did it."
In Kentucky's last game power forward Julius Randle recorded his fourth double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds, while the 10 points were his lowest of the season. Regardless, he's still pacing the Wildcats in both points per game (20.5) and rebounds (14.3).
In addition to dealing with a star at every position, Texas-Arlington may have to contend with a new press defense Calipari is attempting to install this year. "You noticed we pressed a little bit," he said. "I put in a press the last three days. I've got to add more of a press."
Lee is excited by the proposition of using a press, which was a key factor in Louisville's title run a season ago. "I absolutely love pressing because that's where I shine," Lee said. "I love giving the offensive player the worst possible weight. You won't make it past half court because I won't let you."
Texas-Arlington head coach Scott Cross certainly is aware his team is a heavy underdog, but he's still excited to give his players a taste of elite competition.
"I am really excited about the opportunity to play against Kentucky," Cross said. "They are one of the most storied programs in all of college basketball and probably have the biggest fan base, so it should be an awesome atmosphere for our guys."
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