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Saturday Quickies: Against the Tide Edition

Kentucky faces Alabama in the SEC semifinal and more in today's headlines!

Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

With one win down, the Wildcats are onto the next one. Kentucky will face the Alabama Crimson Tide in the semifinal of the SEC Tournament today. Alabama has just come off a second surprising victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks, as they beat the Gamecocks for the second time this year in the quarterfinal, 64-53. This is probably the better of the two match-ups that Kentucky could've ended up with, as now they don't have to try (and fail) to defend Sindarius Thornwell, and they don't have to deal with South Carolina's stifling defense. A win today moves the Cats onto the final. Kentucky desperately needs to win the SEC Tourney if they want a shot at a No. 1 seed (which isn't totally out of reach).

Tweets of the day

The pieces of the puzzle are falling into place, and not a minute too soon.

Let's hope it stays that way.

Your quickies

Kentucky knocks off Georgia for third time this season to reach tourney semifinals | KyForward.com
"The first game is always a hard one, especially when you’re talking a good team, and, you know, Mark (Fox) did just an unbelievable job all year," Kentucky coach John Calipari said. "With (Yante) Maten out, they still won. He comes back and they play here, and they deserve to be in the NCAA Tournament, I believe that."

It took a career-worst shooting performance to show Monk's maturity - SEC Country
Kentucky freshman Malik Monk fired a series of blanks Friday afternoon against Georgia with his only bucket coming on a dunk. But he didn’t force his shots. He didn’t try to shoot out of his slump at the expense of his team.

Former UK lineman Larry Warford signs four-year deal with Saints | Lexington Herald-Leader
The New Orleans Saints announced Friday that the team has signed former Madison Central and University of Kentucky star Larry Warford to a four-year contract.

Wildcats Set to Take on General Hackler Championship | UK Wildcats News
The Kentucky men’s golf team will resume its spring action with its second tournament of the 2017 slate – the General Hackler Championship March 11-12, held at the scenic Dunes Golf and Beach Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Kentucky Basketball: What John Calipari said after third win over Georgia - SEC Country
John Calipari wanted improved defense as Kentucky launched its 2017 postseason, and he got that in the SEC Tournament opener.

VIDEO: Briscoe talks about leading a young team into postseason play - 247
Kentucky sophomore Isaiah Briscoe has the unending respect of his teammates. He talks about leading a young team into postseason play.

Charlie Reymann Signs with Bethlehem Steel FC | UK Wildcats News
Kentucky men’s soccer alumnus Charlie Reymann signed his first professional contract with Bethlehem Steel Football Club last week.

UK among schools pursuing ‘extraordinary’ linebacker in 2018 class | Lexington Herald-Leader
UK football recruiting notebook with information on Kentucky targets Ayodele Adeoye, L’Christian "Blue" Smith, Wildcats quarterback commitment Jarren Williams and his visit to Tennessee, and a look back at the Cats’ highly touted recruiting class of 2014.

UK presented with 48th SEC regular season championship trophy - 247
Before UK began its quest for its 30th SEC Tournament title in Nashville Friday, the Cats were presented with its 48th SEC regular season championship trophy.

No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks show vulnerability in loss to TCU Horned Frogs - ESPN
No. 1 Kansas, playing without the suspended Josh Jackson, couldn't win a close game for a change and was bounced from the Big 12 tourney by TCU.

Kentucky Speedway loses one of its Xfinity Series races to Las Vegas | Lexington Herald-Leader
NASCAR’s announcement Wednesday that it was creating a second weekend of racing for Las Vegas came at a cost to Kentucky.

Bill Barnwell grades the big 2017 free-agent deals - ESPN
Terrelle Pryor. Pierre Garcon. DeSean Jackson. Logan Ryan. Brandon Williams. Stephon Gilmore. Alshon Jeffery. Now that they've all agreed to new deals, see how Bill Barnwell assesses each move.

Markelle Fultz is turning pro - UW Dawg Pound
Washington freshman Markelle Fultz, a potential No. 1 pick in June, announced Friday that he will enter the NBA draft. Fultz averaged 23.2 points, 5.9 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game in his one season at Washington.

Franklin County basketball player is also a fashion model | Lexington Herald-Leader
Rebecca Cook, the leading rebounder and second-leader scorer for the three-time defending girls’ 11th Region champion Franklin County, is also a fashion model.

Patriots trade for Brandin Cooks - ESPN
The New England Patriots are sending a first and third round pick to the New Orleans Saints, and in turn are getting yet another weapon for Tom Brady to utilize. NFL defenses beware.

Packers sign Martellus Bennett, and Aaron Rodgers approves - NBC Sports
Bennett became a key component of the Patriots' offense last year after Rob Gronkowski got hurt, and he saw a revitalization of his career. Now he's got another legendary quarterback throwing his way.

Duke tops North Carolina, 93-83 - News & Observer
It took a huge second half for the Blue Devils to take down the Tar Heels. The win helps Kentucky's chances at a No. 1 seed, if they continue to handle their business in the SEC Tournament.