LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky coach Billy Gillispie says star center Patrick Patterson is day-to-day and isn’t certain whether the sophomore will play on Tuesday night when the Wildcats travel to Vanderbilt.
Patterson sprained his right ankle during a win over Florida last week and sat out Saturday’s win at Arkansas as the Wildcats won behind a 45-point outburst by star Jodie Meeks.
The performance earned the junior SEC Player of the Week honors for the fourth time this season. Meeks is fourth in the nation in scoring, averaging 25.8 points a game and became the 56th player in program history to surpass 1,000 career points.
The Wildcats (18-7, 7-3 SEC) beat the Commodores 70-60 at Rupp Arena last month but suffered the worst SEC loss in school history last year at Memorial Coliseum.
Tennessee plays at Kentucky on Saturday.
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Comments » 14
Ironcity writes:
I hope he feels better in 10 days. I still don't kn ow if we can beat UK unless Meeks gets hurt.
richvol writes:
We can beat UK,in Rupp Arena with Patterson and Meeks,if the coaches do their job and motivate our guys to play proper defense. The first game was pitiful...nobody did their job,including the coaches.
crappieking writes:
Agreed. Patterson can't beat us by himself. Meeks can if our gaurds don't step up. Stop Meeks and we win the game.
huntined#565710 writes:
I think he plays againt Tenn even if he is on crutches..
Not for sure anyone can stop Meeks. In my view he is MVP in SEC this year. Don't want to wish anyone hurt BUT a bad night of shooting may be in order for them Sat..
UKblue02 writes:
I have a question, who out of the starting five for UT, could they least afford to lose, and still be competitive?
smokyredbone writes:
We are playing much better than we were the first time around!!! We will hold Meeks below his average, what is that now? 45ppg! And will beat the Mildcats for first place in the East! Tyler Smith is a beast!!!!!!!!!! GO VOLS ,HOTTIE TOTTY GOSH ALMIGHTY SLAP THOSE REBS AROUND!
VolFanNC writes:
JP Prince. When he is healthy and playing, Vols are a different team. They can make up Tyler's points, but Prince is the one who normally brings the energy.
I think TN can play better D on Meeks without Patterson down low. With Patterson, game is much tougher and will depend a lot on whether Meeks is shooting lights out like last time in Knoxville. If he scores 50+ doesn't matter who else is on the floor.
UKblue02 writes:
Thanks for the info, My opinion was that it was JP also. I personally think Patterson is hurt worse than Billy G is saying because everything is hush hush, or maybe it's just a scam who knows, and i don't see meeks scoring that many again, but we'll see i guess.
murrayvol writes:
Maybe, but you don't always get those crazy bounces with a basketball.
jasonn1970 writes:
If Patterson looks ineffective against Vandy because of the injury I'd have to think the Vols will play a box and 1 on Meeks. Without a healthy Patterson there's no reason not to.
volfanhatesbama writes:
Just my personal thoughts would be JP Prince right now with the way he is playing now healthy. He is just the ultimate stat stuffer plus I could see him being the only possible guard to try to slow down Meeks with his size and the long Go-Go Gadget arms as Bruce likes to say. Not to say he will but that is the best hope if he can keep Meeks in front of him.
Of course I hate UK but I hope for your sake Patterson can be healthy enough to go and be effective. I just personally never like to see an injury effect the game. I know they are a part of any game but as a competitor you always want your best against their best and may the team having the best night or day in this case win. I would like to wish you good luck ton and sat but with as tight as this east race is I will just say I hope you can get your team healthy.
navyvolinva writes:
Where's Cory Hall?!
UKblue02 writes:
Might i say that was a very honest and sincere post, you are a good example of support your team but don't be a jerk in the process, Hats off to you and your good sportsmanship, Til we meet Saturday, have a good day.
UKblue02 writes:
Amen to the underacheiving statement, its been a wacky year so far with all the upsets and stuff, one thing i did notice about Hopson shot is he sure gets the air under it doesn't he, a rainbow shot for sure.
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