This is the game where Kentucky proves itself on the road.

Yes, Frank Martin has South Carolina on the upswing. But the Wildcats have beaten the Gamecocks in eight of the last nine meetings, including sweeping them two games last season winning by an average of 19.5 points a game.

The Wildcats are coming off blowout home victories versus Florida and Georgia. Kentucky's leading scorer, Jamal Murray, is expected to play after sitting out Thursday's practice with a sore knee.

Kentucky is 14-0 at home, but is 2-6 in its last eight road games. The Wildcats should be super focused hearing about their road woes and with upcoming away matchups against Texas A&M, Vanderbilt and Florida on the schedule. Those three teams are a combined 36-4 at home this season.

Talent certainly isn't a problem for the Wildcats. They nearly beat then ranked No. 4 Kansas on the road losing in overtime on Jan. 30. If Kentucky would have won that game you would be hearing far less about its so-called road problems.

The Wildcats can hurt South Carolina inside and take advantage of the weak Gamecocks' 3-point defense.