Mark Pope calls former Morehead State player Johni Broome a “terrific talent.” Kentucky will host Broome and Auburn this afternoon. (Vicky Graff Photo)
By KEITH TAYLOR, Kentucky Today
Kentucky has been successful against top-caliber teams this season.
The Wildcats (19-9, 8-7 Southeastern Conference) have compiled a 7-3 record against ranked teams and own wins over Duke, Gonzaga, Florida, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, and Tennessee (2). The losses were to Alabama (2) and Ole Miss.
Kentucky faces perhaps its biggest challenge of the season Saturday against top-ranked Auburn at Rupp Arena.
The Tigers (26-2, 14-1) have won five in a row since dropping a 90-81 decision to Florida on Feb. 8. Before the loss to the Gators, Auburn had won 14 straight games, including its first nine conference encounters.
“There’s a lot to see that makes them so good,” UK coach Mark Pope said. “Most of the time, he’s got five guys on the floor who are capable of putting up 20 on any given night. They are incredible shot-makers. They make difficult shots.”
Kentucky owns a 31-2 mark against Auburn in games played at home and has won 20 straight since the Tigers stunned the top-ranked Wildcats 53-52 in 1988. Auburn has won three of the last four games in the series, all of which have been in Alabama.
Auburn’s top player is senior Johni Broome, who began his collegiate career at Morehead State. Broome is averaging 18.8 points and 11 rebounds per game and a national player of the year candidate.
“He’s a terrific talent,” Pope said. “He’s a veteran guy. He plays at a high level. He can space out the floor and make shots there. His speed, he’s super, super physical. Really, creative. Just a great player.”
Kentucky is coming off an 83-82 win over Oklahoma and a 28-point performance from junior guard Otega Oweh. Brandon Garrison also turned in a solid performance with 12 points, four rebounds, three steals and a pair of blocks.
“I thought he had an unbelievable defensive effort,” Pope said of Garrison. “It was the best focus he’s had, the best energy he’s had. I thought he was terrific. … I thought he was really special on the defensive end and he’s doing good things on the offensive end, too. I do think it’s a place where he’s growing. He’s made a huge jump from last year.
“I love the fact that he made multiple 3’s in the game at Oklahoma and all we want to talk about is his defense. That’s how impactful he was at the defensive end.”
INJURY UPDATE
Pope gave an injury update and was encouraged by the progress of Lamont Butler (shoulder) and Andrew Carr (back). Jaxson Robinson (wrist) and Amari Williams (ankle) appear to be questionable ahead of Saturday’s contest against the Tigers.
“Lamont came out great, Jaxson not so great, Andrew Carr came out well,” Pope said. “Amari seems like he had a decent day yesterday (and) we’ll know more about him today. (It’s) a little bit of a mixed bag.”
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GAMETRACKER: Auburn at Kentucky, 1 p.m. TV/Radio: ABC, UK Radio Network
4 Responses
Wondering if Jax has been medically cleared to play. He seemed to look pretty good and productive the first half. We need Garrison to continue to play like that on both ends. Think we do have a chance today and hope Carr can get at least 15.m
I think Robinson is out.
Keep looking
We did not get the win. This most likely means we will play on Wednesday in the SEC tourney. With our current injury status, I don’t expect we will go far in either tournament. This season is still a positive given what we had to overcome and now it’s time to finish the season and then work on 1015/26. Go CATS!!!