Quickies: Kentucky Wildcats vs. Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC Tournament Semis

The Kentucky Wildcats handled their business vs. The Georgia Bulldogs 62-49 in their first game of the SEC Tournament.

They fared quite well without the injured Jarred Vanderbilt, thanks in large part to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PJ Washington, Wenyen Gabriel and Kevin Knox. They all rebounded, scored, defended, and assisted en route to the Cats victory.

Today’s game should be a gem as the red hot Alabama Crimson Tide are coming off a sound drubbing of the Auburn Tigers. Collin Sexton has been the best player in the tournament by far and he has revenge on his mind. The Cats beat the Tide 81-71 in their first meeting and held Sexton to just 12 points.

The game is at 1:00 PM. Tune into the ESPN Louisville 680/105.7 Frankfort at 11:00 AM to join me, Jason Anderson, and Jason Ence for the UK Pregame Show.

Tweets of the Day

Both players were fantastic yesterday and will have to be even better today.

The ESPN talking heads were lining up and falling all over themselves to defend Allen’s antics.

Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

What Grayson Allen did was not a basketball play. It was away from the action. It was dirty and he deserved a Flagrant 1. It’s a pattern. He isn’t reformed. He’s the same snot-nosed punk he’s always been and college basketball will be better after he plays his last game.

Quickies

How do you stop Collin Sexton? | SEC Country- Collin Sexton has been nothing short of brilliant in the SEC Tournament. He’s led the Crimson Tide off the bubble and squarely into the Big Dance. Kentucky faces a monumental task against him today but Hamidou Diallo isn’t worried. “We ain’t worried about him. We worried about Kentucky.”

PJ Washington outplays Yante Maten | Lexington Herald Leader- The SEC Player of the Year was held to just nine points on two made field goals. The Wildcats were focused on stopping Maten. Washington was stellar with 16 points and seven rebounds, picking up the slack for Jarred Vanderbilt.

Sexton/Tide stand in the way of SEC title game | Coach Cal- Kentucky is poised to make it’s fifth straight SEC title game but first they have to get through Alabama. The Tide are going on 3 games in 3 straight days.

Kevin Knox showcased his toughness against the Tide | SEC Country- Kevin Knox has been known primarily for his scoring. But yesterday Knox grabbed 9 rebounds, played sound defense, and dove on the floor for loose balls.

PJ Washington on Knox’s hustle:

“It was surprising,” fellow forward PJ Washington said, grinning. “Cal just asked us to do more because Jarred was out, so it was great to see Kev hustle for loose balls like that and grab some rebounds. We just need it to carry over for the next couple games. It makes us a lot different.

Donta Hall uncertain for semi final game | Roll Bama Roll- The Alabama big man is a major key to the Tide. It is uncertain if he will play today after taking a nasty fall and landing on his head. He looked to be unconscious for a few moments.

ESPN 680 Postgame show- Do some prep work before the 11:00 AM pregame show with yesterday’s postgame show. You’ll thank me.

Jaylen Barford goes off as Arkansas beats Florida | SEC Country Arkansas- The Razorbacks booked their ticket to the semis to face off against Tennessee. Mike Anderson may not have a stellar record in the NCAA Tournament but he does have his guys playing some of their best basketball every year in the SEC Tournament.

Rick Pitino hires agent and wants back in college basketball | ESPN- This is the money quote, “Every night I go to bed, I’m bitter at the U.S. attorney’s office and at the ‘board of traitors’ at Louisville,” Pitino said. “I’m not bitter at the school, but at the board of traitors.”

I can see Pitt hiring Pitino. I really can.

Were Rick Pitino’s calls with Adidas exec recorded? | Courier-Journal- If this is indeed the case then Rick Pitino may want to walk back some of the comments in the article above. Particularly the ones about handing over all of his phone records.

Bat Cats take down #3 Texas Tech | UK Athletics- Sean Hjelle improves to 4-0 as the Wildcats defeat the Red Raiders 10-7 in the opening game of a series in Lexington. Kole Kottam had a homerun and 4 RBI to aid in the win. The Cats play again today at 1:00 PM at the Cliff.

Providence comes back from 17 down to defeat Xavier | CBS- The Friars oust the Musketeers in the Big East tournament and leaves questions about whether Xavier is an actual threat to make it to the Final Four. No.

North Carolina downs Duke | Sporting News- The Tar Heels looked like the more energized team as they beat the Blue Devils for the second time this season. UNC will get Virginia in the ACC Championship game.

Ultimate guide to Saturday’s title games | ESPN- Get ready to overindulge on some college basketball. Get your beer and your food ready and close at hand.

Did San Diego State steal Louisville’s bid to the tourney? | CBS- The Aztecs destroyed the Nevada Wolfpack last night 90-73 and Jerry Palm thinks that may have cost the Louisville Cardinals their NCAA tournament. What a shame.

Cleveland Browns make huge splash with multiple trades | The Sporting News- Browns GM John Dorsey was a busy man yesterday as he made deals for Tyrod Tyler, Jarvis Landry, and Damarious Randle. Deshone Kizer has been shipped to Green Bay as the Browns focus on Taylor and drafting a QB with the first overall pick.