Yes, both teams will enter Assembly Hall at 8-0 this Saturday but their paths to undefeated records have taken much different paths.
IU's strength of schedule currently ranks No. 288 where as Kentucky's is No. 98.
The RPI this early in the season is still a bit skewed, actually really skewed, as Kentucky ranks No. 11. Nevertheless, of the Wildcats eight opponents, five of those have an RPI below 127. Where as N.C. State (62) is the only Hoosiers opponent under that number.
Follow the jump for some more realistic stats on the two teams.
What Kentucky does better-Both team have pretty similar stats but Kentucky is holding opponents to 32.6 percent from the field and is averaging 10.9 blocks per game. The Wildcats are averaging eight more rebounds a game than the Hoosiers.
-After shooting 21-of-45 (47%) from three-point land in their first three games, the Wildcats are 25-of-78 (32%) in their last five games from behind the arc.
-In their two closest games away from Lexington (10-point neutral court wins over Kansas and Old Dominion), Kentucky shot 26-of-46 (57%) from the free throw line. They committed 40 turnovers in those two games and had 24 assists.
-Kentucky has 110 offensive rebounds on the year compared to 82 for the Hoosiers
-Seven Kentucky players have at least four blocks, led by Anthony Davis (36) and Terrence Jones (20). IU's Cody Zeller (13) is the only Hoosier with more than three blocks.
What Indiana does better-IU is forcing four more turnovers a game than Kentucky. The Hoosiers shoot 74 percent from the free throw line compared to 68.5 percent for the Wildcats.
-Cody Zeller's 21 steals and Victor Oladipo's 16 steals are more than any other Wildcat.
-Kentucky's five starters all play at least 27.5 minutes a game. For IU, Hulls (28.5) is the only IU starter playing more than 27.1 minutes a game.
-And both teams have one consistent and frequent three-point shooter as Doron Lamb's 16 threes is eight more than any other Wildcat (Jones with 8). For IU, Jordan Hulls' 15 three pointers made is six more than any other Hoosier (Watford with 9).
