On Saturday, Kentucky found itself down by double digits in the Southeastern Conference opener at Alabama. This time, UK was not able to dig itself out of the hole, falling 89-74 to the Crimson Tide.
Tuesday, UK point guard Jaland Lowe noted that his team is definitely looking to get off to a quicker start, beginning on Wednesday against Missouri.
“It’s important. We’ve started off slow in a lot of our games, so setting that tone early, and at a home game, especially against Missouri, who is coming off a win against Florida. That’s just something we’ve got to find. That’s important right now.”
Lowe believes that part of getting off to a fast start begins with the team’s game preparations.
“I think just knowing the game plan and everybody being on the same mindset and same physicality at the same time,” Lowe said. “Imposing our will. At some point, you just need guys out there that are going to push somebody first, and we have the guys for that. I think sometimes, we just come out looking for each other or somebody else to do something sometimes. But we all have guys that can take that and be the first to do that.”
On Wednesday, Kentucky hosts Missouri at Rupp Arena (7 p.m. ET, ESPN2). The Tigers are 11-3 this season, with two of their losses coming to ranked teams (Illinois and Kansas). Missouri beat defending national champion Florida 76-74 on Saturday in Columbia. Anthony Robinson had 19 points for MU in the game, while Mark Mitchell had 14.
If Kentucky is to get its first SEC win of the season, getting off to a quicker start would be beneficial. The Cats are looking to make that happen on Wednesday.