Friday Quickies: UK-SIU Gameday Edition

Kentucky holds their home opener tonight as they host Southern Illinois as the Wildcats look to bounce back from that Tuesday loss against Duke in front of a home crowd at Rupp Arena.

It’s been a long couple days for the Wildcats program, but tonight the team will have a chance to hit the floor and grab a win against a Salukis squad that is playing their first game of the season coming off a season in which they finished second in the Missouri Valley Conference and finished with a 20-13 overall record.

The Salukis return all five starters from that team, including leading scorer Armon Fletcher, the team’s leading scorer from a year ago, and Kavion Pippen, the 6’10” nephew of NBA legend Scottie Pippen, who averaged 12 points per game a year ago.

On paper, this looks like a game that the Wildcats should win, but they can’t let Tuesday’s loss linger into this one as well and let the Salukis hang around into the second half.

The game tips off at 7 p.m. on the SEC Network.

That’s encouraging.

The fan atmosphere last Saturday was fantastic. Awesome video.

Quickies

Five things John Calipari said yesterday - Kentucky Sports Radio

Cal still likes this team, but wants to see them playing for each other.

SIU’s coach preparing for Kentucky by going to Lowe’s - Cats Pause

He purchased an extra wide leaf rake to use in practice to simulate Kentucky’s height.

What does the latest CBB scandal news mean for UK - Courier Journal

We’re going to keep hearing more and more names and programs come out from the FBI documents.

What’s at stake Saturday against Tennessee - Kentucky Sports Radio

Kentucky hasn’t won in Knoxville since 1984, so that should be enough motivation.

Kentucky’s success looks to pay dividends in recruiting down the road - Herald Leader

The Wildcats success on the field looks to benefit them in the 2020 recruiting class.

Callers to Mark Stoops’ radio show singing a different tune - Cats Pause

Several of the callers who were critical early have changed their mind about Stoops.

Kentucky Softball releases 2019 schedule - UK Athletics

Mark your calendar for Feb. 8 as opening day.

Men’s soccer opens conference tournament play tonight - UK Athletics

Kentucky takes on Marshall at 4:30 p.m. The game can be streamed on ESPN+

Steelers WR Antonio Brown busted for driving 100+ mph - ESPN

Brown was cited early Thursday morning before playing in the game against the Panthers that night.

The lives JJ Watt helped save - Yahoo

A neat look at the impact of Watt’s Hurricane Harvey fundraiser.

When will Ravens let Lamar Jackson really play QB? - ESPN

Jackson may see more opportunities in the back half of the schedule.

Behind the scenes with the Oakland Raiders - Bleacher Report

The Raiders seem like a sinking ship this year, and going forward.

Players to target in fantasy football ahead of the trade deadline - Yahoo

If your team is struggling like mine, these are some players to take a look at.

Paul Pierce thinks Duke could beat the Cleveland Cavaliers - Bleacher Report

Slow down Paul...

Puma ad blames Nike for DeMarcus Cousins’ injury - Yahoo

Puma taking shots at Nike...