Jerry Tipton on UK basketball

Kentucky Coach Billy Gillispie and his players expressed a key to Saturday’s game against South Carolina: contain Gamecock guard Devan Downey.

Downey excels in dribbling into the heart of an opposing defense. He’s scored 20 or more points in four straight games and ranks No. 3 among Southeastern Conference players in assists.

“We’re going to have to have very strong help,” UK guard Ramel Bradley said of defending Downey. “We have to stop him from dribble-penetrating, because he’s very good.”

Downey also leads the SEC in steals (3.5 per game).

Stopping opponents from dribbling to the basket area has not been a Kentucky strength this season.

“We’ve been inconsistent at it,” Gillispie said. “He’s outstanding at it.”

[Hear Gillispie’s Friday press conference.] 

South Carolina starts four players 6-foot-7 or shorter. So UK faces an unorthodox opponent.

“I don’t think you can play conventionally and match up with them,” Gillispie said. “If you play conventionally all the time, you’ll be hoping they miss.”