Wednesday Headlines: Senior Night and Vanderbilt Gameday Edition

The final game in Rupp Arena this season.

By John Morgan Francis@MonJorgan Mar 1, 2023, 7:40am EST

Tonight is special in many ways, but most importantly because the Kentucky Wildcats will honor their seniors vs. the Vanderbilt Commodores in UK’s final home game of the season.

Unlike most John Calipari-coached teams, this year’s roster has six seniors on it: Antonio Reeves, Brennan Canada, CJ Fredrick, Jacob Toppin, and Oscar Tshiebwe (Sahvir Wheeler will not take part in tonight’s ceremony due to a minor procedure).

Reeves, Toppin and Tshiebwe are all healthy and have been playing big minutes this season. Fredrick was able to return from a lingering injury on Saturday vs. Auburn, but Wheeler has remained sidelined with his own bugging injury.

Canada has only played in eight minutes this season across a total of four games.

Calipari did mention on his weekly radio show that he would start five seniors, so look for Tshiebwe, Canada, Reeves, Toppin, and Fredrick to get the starting nod tonight.

Kentucky’s first matchup against Vanderbilt came just over a month ago when the Wildcats beat the Commodores, 69-53. However, Kentucky followed up that performance with a 2-3 record over their next five games — including their crumbling loss to Georgia.

This is a new Kentucky team, though, as they’ve won four straight games since that Georgia loss. All four of those wins have been Quad 1 victories, too.

In fact, the Wildcats have been so impressive over the last two weeks that they’re now back in the Associated Press Top 25 rankings at No. 23.

In regards to the postseason, a win tonight would lock up the No. 3 seed for Kentucky in next week’s SEC Tournament. That No. 3 seed seemed like something that was impossible just a few weeks ago, but recent success against Tennessee and Auburn has turned things around for the Wildcats.

A win over Vanderbilt also gives Kentucky more momentum heading into their clash with Arkansas on Saturday. The Wildcats were run off their home court back in early February, so a redemption win would have to feel pretty good as the regular season comes to a close.

Tonight’s tip-off vs. Vanderbilt is scheduled for 7 pm ET with coverage on the SEC Network.

Tweet of the Day

Updated NET rankings has UofL at No. 308, which still makes it a Quad 4 win for Kentucky.
— T.J. Walker (@TJWalkerRadio) February 28, 2023

This is nice.

Headlines

Big Blue Preview: Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt – UK

From the seniors running through paper hoops featuring their pictures to the signing of My Old Kentucky Home, it’s a stirring moment that creates memories of a lifetime.

Listen and Watch UK Sports Network Radio Coverage of Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt – UK

Cameron Mills and Dave Baker get you ready for Kentucky Basketball with the Don Franklin Auto Countdown to Tip-off.

Tshiebwe “locked in” on title dreams as Senior Night approaches - KSR

The journey for No. 9 is just around the corner.

Hurdles cleared, Rangers land Patrick Kane from Blackhawks - ESPN

Massive trade for NY.

Calipari says UK’s connection with BBN has “never been stronger” - KSR

Is he right?

Bengals on Tee Higgins trade rumors: ‘Find your own’ WR - ESPN

Joe Burrow retains his star receiver.

Kentucky Softball 2023 Promotional Schedule Announced – UK

The Kentucky Softball team announced its home 2023 promotional schedule on Wednesday afternoon, one week before it kicks off its home season.