The biggest story was the sour taste left in UK’s mouth as UK went down with two injuries. Coach Cal chose to not rest his starters when the game was out of reach. Everyone has been concerned with UK’s ability to play three games in three days with our lack of depth. It would seem to be common sense, to rest your starters if the game gets out of reach.
Cal apparently had something else on his mind, as no subs were in waiting to check in. This led to two of UK’s best players in Liggins and Lamb going down with ankle injuries. It is unclear how bad either one is at this point. We do know Liggins was able to walk off on his own and Lamb wasn’t.
This would typically mean Lamb’s injury is worse but Lamb didn’t seem to put pressure on it, so he may have just been in a lot of pain but will be fine tomorrow or it could be as bad as a season ending injury. We will just have to wait and see on the prognosis.
Lamb did say he is surely going to play "My team needs me so I am going to play." He has leg propped up and ice on it. UK is currently saying they believe it is an ankle sprain and is doubtful for tomorrow.
They have Liggins listed as probable, as both have left ankle sprains.
As for the game, it was a clear team game as no one was a clear superstar. Lamb was the star of the 1st half with 10 points but only scored 5 in the 2nd. His 15 points led all scorers for UK.
The rest of the scorers for the Cats: Harrellson-14, Liggins-14, Knight-12, Miller-10, Jones-7.
Harrellson with the double double as he had 10 rebounds with his 14 points.
Knight and especially Jones once again did not perform at their best on the offensive end. Knight went 4-11 from the field; Jones went only 2-9. Jones did not attempt a three though…so there’s a plus.
UK shot 27-54 (50%) from the field, 9-20 (45%) from three, 9-14 (64%) from the line.
Bama shot 22-53(41.5%) from the field, 5-13(38.5%) from three (four of those when the game was out of reach), 9-13 (69.2%) from the tournament.
UK barely won the rebound battle 32-31. Bama had 10 turnovers to our 7.
Miller after the game: We really think we are going to be ready for tomorrow. Would not give a preference on who he would prefer to play, believes it will be tough either way.
Cal after the game: Still doesn’t know about Liggins and Lambs situation.
This team is getting better at executing. We have a lot of weapons.
We are also guarding well, which we haven’t always done in the past.
Cal claimed Bama kept pressing and this is why he didn’t sub guys in.
He believed that Bama could get back in it and then would have to bring his starters back in and would be forced to hit free throws.
Personally don’t buy our guys being out for a few minutes would make them automatically horrible if they did have to come back in there. He seems to be selling his team short on that comment.
These injuries occurred with 2 minutes left in the game still up 16...you could take me and four other random guys and we wouldn't be able to give up a 16 point lead with 2 minutes...
Go Cats! Find a way to win the SEC despite injuries!
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