UK basketball writer Ryan Black breaks down Kentucky’s win over IU
Kentucky beat writer Ryan Black says the team’s lackluster offense in Saturday’s win over Indiana might just pay dividends for UK going forward.
ATLANTA — The primary storyline heading into today’s game between Kentucky basketball and St. John’s is that of “mentor versus protege.”
Red Storm coach Rick Pitino led the Wildcats for eight seasons (1989-90 through 1996-97). During that time, he tutored UK’s current coach, Mark Pope, who was part of the program from 1993-94 through 1995-96.
But a less-talked-about narrative: a renewal of a rivalry that pitted what once were two of the sport’s most prominent programs. From 1943 through 1952, Kentucky (7-4) and St. John’s (7-3) met every year — and twice in 1951. At this point in time, legendary UK coach Adolph Rupp was at the peak of his powers; St. John’s had two storied coaches during this run: Joseph Lapchick, who was succeeded by Frank McGuire.
Stream Kentucky vs. St. John’s
Talented as Lapchick and McGuire were, however, Rupp and the Cats won eight of the 11 matchups during that span. The two programs have played only five more times after Rupp, Lapchick and McGuire no longer were with their respective schools.
UK is up 11-5 in the all-time series.
St John’s is the only ranked team entering this year’s matchup, though: It’s No. 20 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll and No. 22 in the AP Top 25, while Kentucky is receiving votes in both polls.
Here’s what you need to know to follow today’s game between the Wildcats and Red Storm from home:
UK and St. John’s are slated to tip off at 12:30 p.m. today at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
- TV channel: CBS
- Livestream: Fubo (free trial)
The game between the Wildcats and Red Storm will air nationally on CBS.
Those without cable can access CBS via streaming services, with Fubo offering a free trial.
Stream Kentucky vs. St. John’s
Betting odds: Kentucky is a 3 ½-point underdog (-112) on DraftKings, which set the over/under at 155 ½ points (-105). The money line odds are St. John’s -170, Kentucky +142.
Tom Leach (play-by-play) and Jack Givens (analyst) will have the UK radio network call on 840 AM in Louisville and both 630 AM and 98.1 FM in Lexington.
You can also listen online via UKAthletics.com.
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
