Andrew Carr Excited Aout Alabama Rematch

By LARRY VAUGHT

If you watched Alabama beat Kentucky 102-97 in Rupp Arena, you know that Andrew Carr was no factor in the game for the Cats.

He had four points, one rebound, and one assist in 18 minutes but he also could not come close to guarding Alabama forward Grant Nelson who had 25 points and 11 rebounds. Carr picked up four fouls and Nelson went 9-for-10 at the foul line.

Carr had been battling a back injury but had 13 points against both Mississippi State and Texas A&M in two previous games.

“At that point, it was just a realization, like, I need to get better — a lot better than what I was, for sure,” Carr said after UK beat Vanderbilt Wednesday.

He didn’t play at Vanderbilt, barely played at Tennessee, and then came off the bench instead of starting. This week he was finally able to practice two straight days and he got back in the starting lineup against Vanderbilt and had 11 points on 5-for-8 shooting along with two rebounds, one assist, one block, and one steal in 21 minutes.

Coach Mark Pope said Carr was his “old physical, attacking self” against Vandy and Kentucky desperately needs that today against Alabama Carr is looking forward to the rematch.

“We’re looking forward to getting another shot at a team like that, for sure. My matchup with Grant Nelson — he had a great game. I’m super excited to step up to that challenge and to be able to face him and be able to try and shut him down. We know how good of a game he had against us this year,” Carr said.

Alabama has lost its last two games to Auburn and Missouri but Carr knows how difficult the game will be.

“They’re a super talented team. We know how fast they like to play, how much they shoot 3’s, all of those things offensively,” Carr said. “I think we’ve got to do a good job of trying to defend them at the rim.

“They shoot a great 2-point percentage, as well. Just trying to limit those things. I think we’ll be able to go in there and try to get one back.”