The Saint Joseph’s Hawks and Kentucky Wildcats face off on Monday in a college basketball showdown at Rupps Arena. 

Kentucky Still Dealing with Injuries 

Kentucky sits with a 3-1 record, but they are still dealing with injury issues. Aaron Bradshaw is dealing with a foot injury and is out for a few more weeks. Guard Grant Darbyshire is dealing with an undisclosed injury, and it’s unclear if he’s going to be able to go in this game. Two games ago against Kansas, Kentucky blew a second half lead, and they ended up winning 89-84. In the last game against Stonehill, Kentucky was able to secure the 101-67 victory. Kentucky on the season is averaging 88 points, while their defense is giving up 65.8 points per game. 

Saint Joseph’s Coming of Bad Loss

Saint Joseph’s comes into this game with a 3-1 record overall, but they really struggled in the last game. Saint Joseph faced off against Texas A&M Commerce and the offense only scored 54 points and that led to the three point defeat. Lynn Greer III was the top player for the Hawks, putting up 13 points, four rebounds, and three assists. On the season, the Hawks are averaging 76 points while their defense is giving up 58.5 points per game. The defense is ranked 23rd, and they are going to need the defense to step up here. 

Shane’s Free Pick

Saint Joseph’s might be coming off a loss, but they are going to do enough here to keep this game close. The Hawks defense has been good this season, giving up only 58.5 points per game, and they are going to step up here in a big way. The Hawks also won’t be score only 54 points again. The Hawks are going to be competitive, and Saint Joseph is going to cover the spread here.