NKY College Basketball Rundown

#11 Kentucky Wildcats 11-2

Kentucky is coming off of a huge win against in state rival Louisville Cardinals. Kentucky took over the second half of that game and ran away from them in the end. I really like this team this season. They are a MUCH better shooting team than last year but it really hard to compare the two squads. With Cousins, Patterson, and Orton that was a very strong post presence last year and a lot of emphasis on the post. This year, the guards and more suited for Calipari's dribble drive with spot up shooters on the wings with Knight and Lamb. I think this year's Kentucky team is a better built college team. Not as talented as last year but just better suited to adjust to different situations. Kentucky has a game tonight against Penn and then open up SEC play on Saturday at Georgia.

Cincinnati Bearcats 14-0

Cincinnati has gotten off to their best start since 1998-1999 as one of the only remaining undefeated teams in the country. However, their 14 wins have come against some pretty weak competition in the early going with key wins coming at a down Oklahoma and over Big East opponent Seton Hall. The Bearcats will surely be tested in their Big East schedule and their strength of schedule will improve dramatically as their work their way through the league. But the cupcake may work in the long run for Mick, if he can sneak out 22+ wins he just might find himself in the NCAA tournament. The test starts this week with the Crosstown Shootout and then a road matchup against Villanova.

Xavier Musketeers 8-4

Xavier has had a tough schedule and a tough go of it so far this season. They have had some nice home wins against Wake Forest and Gonzaga but have struggled on the road taking some bad losses to Miami (OH) Old Dominion, and Gonzaga. The Muskies are hurting from injuries of Brad Redford and now freshman Jay Canty. They just had their 30 game home winning streak snapped by the Florida Gators, Florida controlled much of the game until a late Xavier surge fell just short. X has the shootout this week at the Shoe which is always a very emotional game where records do not matter. They will then open up A-10 play against Rhode Island.