Friday Quickies: UK Hoops vs. Bama Edition

The Kentucky women’s basketball team is set to start SEC Tournament play today against Alabama at 2:30 p.m. Kentucky handled the Crimson Tide easily in a 71-54 win earlier in the year, but Bama is coming off an upset of Tennessee to get them into this game. If they beat Alabama they’ll likely end up playing No. 1 seed South Carolina in the next round, who they came close to beating recently. The game will be on the SEC Network, so be sure to tune in and cheer on the UK hoops team.

Tweet of the day

After the success of last year, it’ll be much less difficult to get fans in the seats of Commonwealth Stadium this coming season.

Your quickies

Kentucky Opens SEC Tournament Play Friday in Quarterfinals | UK Wildcats News
The No. 20 University of Kentucky women’s basketball team will begin its run in the 2017 Southeastern Conference Tournament on Friday at approx. 2:30 p.m. ET.

Could this year’s team be on same path as 2011 Final Four team? - Herald-Leader
The Cats certainly seem to be experiencing some of the same successes and failures as that 2011 team.

Kentucky fans are paying big for SEC Tourney tickets - FanSided
The SEC might not be as good as other conferences, but demand for UK tickets is helping SEC prices soar.

Derek Willis named to SEC community service team - KSR
Willis continues to show that he’s a great kid.

There’s a massive gap in wealth in SEC basketball - SEC Country
There’s a huge difference in the worth of Kentucky’s basketball program and Mississippi State’s basketball program.

The Wildcats can flip the switch - USA Today
The Cats are certainly capable of going on a run as we enter March, but how do they do it?

Kentucky Wildcats TV recaps the senior night win over Vandy - Coach Cal
An emotional night for the seniors and the fans of the program, it was all captured for us to remember over and over again.

Dark clouds, silver linings in stretch run | Lexington Herald-Leader
Kentucky basketball has just one regular-season game remaining before tournament play begins. The SEC Tournament is next week. The NCAA Tournament follows. There have been dark clouds and silver linings to UK’s stretch run.

Tom Izzo has 'a better appreciation' for John Calipari - 247
Forced to play mostly freshmen this season, Michigan State coach Tom Izzo says he has 'a better appreciation' for John Calipari.

If Colin Kaepernick hadn’t opted out, 49ers would have released him - ESPN
Kaep has wanted out of San Francisco for awhile now, but when it comes to on-field play, neither side seemed to be good for one another.

Jets expected to release Brandon Marshall - Bleacher Report
As it becomes more and more clear that it’s time for the New York Jets to rebuild, they’ve started purging older players. Nick Mangold, Darrelle Revis, and now Brandon Marshall.

What to look for as NFL free agency begins - USA Today
There is a surprising amount of depth in NFL free agency this season. But every player worth consideration of signing also seems to have a reason not to be signed.

NFL combine: Measurements and other day two takeaways - CBS Sports
On top of free agency, it’s time to prepare for the NFL Draft. The future rookies are currently displaying their skills at the combine, where scouts obsess over things like hand size, because it’s all about finding even the slightest thing that sets your guy apart from the other 30 that are eligible candidates to be drafted with your pick.

Fernando Torres hospitalized after collision - ESPN
Torres went down in a soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna yesterday in what was a scary sight. He doesn’t appear to have any severe injuries.

Deron Williams gives the Cavs an edge they’ve never had - Bleacher Report
Williams might be an aging veteran who’s not as good as he was before, but he’s still experienced and talented. He’s able to lead the Cavs’ offense and bring the ball up the floor, lightening Lebron James’ workload.