Kentucky and Syracuse have been ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in college basketball for six consecutive weeks. The voters agree on that much, although they give the Wildcats 63 of the 65 available votes for the top spot. But that's a function of SU having lost at Notre Dame six weeks after Kentucky lost at Indiana. No big deal.



So who's better? Kentucky (28-1) is loaded with young talent. The Wildcats start three freshmen and two sophomores — and all five are McDonald's All-Americans (and they have another one on the bench). Their top player, forward Anthony Davis, is a strong candidate for player of the year.



The Orange (29-1) offers veteran leadership and experience with seniors Scoop Jardine and Kris Joseph, superior depth, a playmaker off the bench in Dion Waiters, and a unique zone defense that can flummox opponents.



SU's only loss was at Notre Dame when it played without center Fab Melo. Kentucky's loss came on a buzzer-beater 3-pointer at Indiana in December.



Here are some facts to help with Kentucky-Syracuse comparisons:

How do you think the team's would match up? Leave your opinion in the comments:

Common opponents

Louisville: SU beat the Cardinals 52-51 at Louisville. Kentucky beat them 69-62 at Rupp Arena.

Florida: SU won 72-68 in the Dome. Kentucky beat the Gators 78-58 at Rupp.

St. John's: SU won 95-70 at MSG. Kentucky beat the Red Storm 81-59 at Rupp.

Best wins

Kentucky has wins over Kansas (75-65) and North Carolina (73-72).

SU has beaten Florida, Marquette (73-66) and Georgetown (64-61).

Offensive styles

Kentucky: Like SU, the Wildcats' offense feeds off the defense. They live off blocked shots, bad shots and turnovers to get out on the break. The Wildcats also have multiple options on offense. They have some good outside shooters, and they're very strong inside.

Syracuse: The Orange ranks second in the Big East in field-goal percentage. One reason is the Orange's potent transition offense, but another reason is the Orange's balanced offense.

Stats and stuff

McDonald's All-Americans

Kentucky (6)

: Anthony Davis, Doron Lamb, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marquis Teague, Kyle Wiltjer, Terrence Jones

Syracuse (3):

Fab Melo, Michael Carter-Williams, Rakeem Christmas

Team scoring

Kentucky is winning by an average margin of 19 points (78-59). SU has won by an average of 15 points (76-61). The Orange has had five games decided by five points or fewer. The Wildcats’ victories have all been by at least six points, except for wins over North Carolina (one point) and Tennessee (three). In their second game against the Volunteers, the Wildcats won by 25.

Individual scoring

Both teams are remarkably balanced. Anthony Davis leads Kentucky with 14.3 points per game. Kris Joseph is Syracuse’s leader at 14.2.

Rebounding

It’s a much-discussed topic in Syracuse because the Orange is minus-0.8 on the season. SU doesn’t have to outrebound opponents to win, but it must avoid being dominated on the glass. Kentucky is a strong plus-7.3 in rebounding.

3-point shooting

Kentucky hits 37.6 percent of its 3’s, compared with 34.2 percent for SU.

Free-throw shooting

Kentucky leads 72.4 percent to 69.7 percent.

Turnovers

Both teams take care of the ball. SU commits only 10.5 turnovers per game. Kentucky’s at 11.7.

Blocks

Both teams are big-time shot-blockers. Kentucky averages 9.0 per game, and SU swats 7.2.

Steals

Both teams rely on steals to ignite their offenses. SU’s 9.9 steals per game leads Kentucky’s 6.5.

Defensive styles

Kentucky: The Wildcats' man-to-man doesn't go for steals. They play the perimeter tight without gambling and almost invite you to go into the lane, where Davis is waiting. The'Cats don't allow you to catch-and-shoot.

Syracuse: SU leads the Big East in blocks and ranks third in steals. The Orange's 2-3 zone challenges shooters and ranks fourth in the Big East in 3-point percentage defense.

Leadership

Kentucky: Point guard Marquis Teague dominates the ball and has a

very competitive personality. Davis isn't vocal, but his talent commands respect.

Syracuse: Jardine is a fifth-year senior and a vocal leader. Joseph, another senior, is not as vocal but exudes a quiet calm.

Team strengths

Kentucky: It all starts with Davis. The Wildcats lead the nation in field-goal percentage defense and blocked shots. And every night the defensive effort is there. Kentucky is very consistent in those areas.

Syracuse: Experience and options. The Orange relies on its veterans to make plays at the end of games. Syracuse also has multiple weapons on offense, which makes it hard for opponents to focus on one player.

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» Michael Carter-Williams plays in front of family and friends

Team weaknesses

Kentucky: The Wildcats are not deep. Foul trouble or an injury would hurt this team. And they are young. How will they react to the pressure of the NCAA Tournament?

Syracuse: Syracuse has been victimized on the defensive boards all season. Another concern is the Orange's inconsistent shooting from 3-point range.



Key to beating them

Kentucky: You have to hold onto the ball and work to get good shots against the Wildcats. On defense, teams have been playing more zone against Kentucky. You still have to keep a guy on Davis to prevent the lob to him.

Syracuse: Avoid getting the Orange going by committing turnovers. Pound the offensive glass for second-chance points. Get the ball inside the zone at the high-post area, but you need a player there who is a threat with the ball.

Kentucky’s starters

Marquis Teague: 6-foot-2, 189 pounds, freshman guard

Strength: Athletic, very elusive

Weakness: Turnovers, decision-making

Doron Lamb: 6-4, 210, sophomore guard

Strength: Shooting, court savvy. Knows how to play.

Weakness: Doesn't always play hard. Tends to drift.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist: 6-7, 232, freshman forward

Strength: Tremendous motor. Plays hard consistently.

Weakness: Perimeter shooting. Gets into foul trouble.

Terrence Jones: 6-9, 252, sophomore forward

Strength: Athletic. Left-handed, which helps him score inside.

Weakness: Outside shot limits his offense.

Anthony Davis:6-10, 220, freshman forward

Strength: Defense, shot-blocking.

Weakness: Not many weaknesses. Lack of bulk.

Kentucky’s top subs

Darius Miller:6-8, 235, senior guard

Strength: Improved shooter, nifty passer

Weakness: His motor doesn't always run at a high speed.

Kyle Wiltjer:6-9, 239, freshman forward

Strength: Can shoot the 3 if given space

Weakness: Not very physical, needs room to shoot

Syracuse starters

Scoop Jardine: 6-2, 190 senior guard

Strength: Experience, willingness to take the big shot.

Weakness: Can force things on offense and take a bad shot.



Brandon Triche: 6-4, 205, junior guard

Strength: Very strong. A good shooter.

Weakness: He's slumped lately. Has shied away from taking three's.

Kris Joseph: 6-7, 210, senior forward

Strength: Able to shoot the three or drive to the basket.

Weakness: Tends to drift. Inconsistent rebounder.

Rakeem Christmas: 6-9, 222, freshman forward

Strength: Athletic. Good rebounder.

Weakness: Offense is limited. Gets out of position on defense.

Fab Melo: 7-0, 244, sophomore center

Strength: Defense and shot-blocking. Takes charges.

Weakness: Still working on his offense.

Syracuse’s top subs

Dion Waiters :6-4, 215, sophomore guard

Strength: Very strong. Confident. Can get to the basket.

Weakness: Sometimes forces his shot. Inconsistent 3-point shooter.

C.J. Fair: 6-8, 203, sophomore forward

Strength: Versatile. Always in right place at right time.

Weakness: Needs to get stronger. Range stops at 17 feet.