Kentucky fans could be a big help against Mississippi State tonight, according to assistant coach Orlando Antigua. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Orlando Antigua wanted Kentucky fans to know that the Wildcats are happy to be back playing in Rupp Arena tonight when they host Mississippi State after playing at Texas A&M and Auburn last week.
“This game could be looked at as a trap game,” Antigua said Monday knowing UK is coming off a game at No. 2 Auburn and goes to No. 5 Kansas on Saturday. “Mississippi State is really good.
“The last home game (a 107-79 win over Tennessee), I remember how much our players appreciated the energy in the building. I want to make sure we have the same energy from fans. …. The energy those guys felt from all the fans made a big difference and we want to make sure we have the same kind of energy Tuesday.”
Kentucky coach John Calipari repeated the same plea to fans on his weekly radio show Monday night.
“The BBN is going to have to take us over the finish line in this one, especially if the two guards (TyTy Washington and Sahvir Wheeler) don’t play,” Calipari said.
Washington turned his ankle early in the loss at Auburn and did not return. Wheeler was injured in a collision in the second half but did return to the game. Antigua said Monday he expected to find out at practice if one or both would play.
“We may not have any guards tomorrow. We don’t know. Thank goodness the game is at 9, we have a little more time. But we don’t know yet,” Calipari said on his radio show while also noting that Kellan Grady and Davion Mintz both played point guard at practice Monday.
Antigua said Mississippi State “is a really good team” but the Bulldogs figure to be without a key player tonight. Center Tolu smith, who led the SEC in rebounding last season with 8.6 per game, has a partially dislocated knee late in a 78-60 win over Ole Miss. He’s averaging 13.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game.
The Bulldogs are 4-2 in SEC play and also have a win over Alabama.
“Any advantage we can have at home, we need to have,” Antigua said when asked about why he made his plea to fans. “We know this is a really tough game and will be a physical game because of what they bring to the table.”
