:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66252817/IMG_0894.0.jpg)
After the injury bug hit hard early in the season, the Kentucky Wildcats had been on a nice streak of consecutive games without an injury.
That nearly changed Tuesday night when Nate Sestina appeared to suffer a significant shoulder injury early in the second half vs. Mississippi State.
Nate Sestina leaves the court holding his shoulder in pain during Tuesday’s game against Mississippi State. @KentuckySports @heraldleader @markcstory @BenRobertsHL @johnclayiv pic.twitter.com/Hf8rOHX7jU
— Alex Slitz (@AlexSlitzPhoto) February 5, 2020
It briefly forced Sestina from the game, and feat began to creep around Rupp Arena that a dangerously-thin UK frontcourt had officially reached cripplingly-thin.
Thankfully, that was not the case, as Sestina returned to the game and helped UK finish off an 80-72 win over the Bulldogs.
Some speculated Sestina had dislocated his shoulder when he left the game, but apparently, his shoulder is not capable of dislocating:
Sestina says his right shoulder “slipped a little bit,” but can’t dislocate again because he had it surgically repaired as a sophomore at Bucknell. “More of a scare. My parents are freaking out. Just want to let my mom know I’m good.”
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) February 5, 2020
That’s certainly a unique shoulder condition, but as long as Sestina is healthy enough to play, it sounds like it won’t be a concern.
The senior forward was having a nice game prior to his injury, as he scored six points on 3/4 shooting. He actually finished tied with EJ Montgomery for the highest +/- of the game (+11). He looked smooth on offense and actually held his on defense against a good Mississippi State frontcourt.
As long as nothing more comes of the injury, this was a good night for Sestina.