The Kentucky Wildcats are set to face a significant challenge as they travel to Tuscaloosa to take on the Alabama Crimson Tide this Saturday. Despite receiving some encouraging updates regarding injured guards Lamont Butler and Jaxson Robinson, both players have officially been ruled out for the matchup. Head coach Mark Pope confirmed the news, emphasizing the team’s determination to compete despite their limited roster.
“We’re missing pieces, and we would love to have them back,” Pope said during Friday’s media session. “But in the meantime, we’re going to go compete with what we have and do it well.”
Butler and Robinson, key contributors to the Wildcats’ lineup, have been sidelined due to injuries. Butler, who averages 12.5 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game, has been dealing with a shoulder issue but managed to participate in limited live-action drills during Friday’s practice. Robinson, who contributes 13.3 points and 3.7 rebounds per game, worked on skill drills before the team’s departure for Alabama. Both players were instrumental in Kentucky’s previous matchup against Alabama, combining for 28 points in their January 18 clash in Lexington.
The Wildcats will also remain without Kerr Kriisa, who is sidelined with a broken foot. These absences leave Kentucky with just nine available players for their road test against the No. 4 Crimson Tide.
For Alabama, there are also injury concerns, as Latrell Wrightsell Jr., Derrick Reid, and Houston Mallette have been ruled out. However, standout guard Mark Sears, who has been listed as probable, is expected to play and will likely be a significant factor in the game.
The matchup comes at a critical juncture in the season, with both teams vying for favorable seeding in the SEC standings. Kentucky will need to lean on their remaining starters and bench depth to make up for the absence of their key players. The Wildcats have shown resilience throughout the season, and this game will test their ability to adapt and compete under pressure.
Fans can catch the game on ESPN at 6:00 p.m. EST, with live coverage provided by Karl Ravech, Jimmy Dykes, and Dick Vitale. Radio broadcasts will be available on the UK Sports Network, SiriusXM, and iHeart Radio. Kentucky Sports Radio will also host a live blog for real-time updates starting an hour before tip-off.
Can Kentucky rise to the occasion and pull off a much-needed upset in hostile territory? The Wildcats’ grit and determination will undoubtedly be put to the test.
