Photo by Randy Sartin USA TODAY Sports
Photo by Randy Sartin USA TODAY Sports
The Kentucky Wildcats, who are now on a three-game winning streak after beating the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville, have built up some momentum in the direction leading up to the SEC Tournament. They are still only 8-13 on the year, but with three more games on the official schedule for the regular season, coupled with the possibility of adding a few games the last week of the season, they can put together a pretty solid lineup finish line before making a turn in Nashville.
“They are in a pretty good position, but now you have to finish,” British head coach John Calipari said after his post-match radio program. “You have to play the next game, and you have to play well, or you’ll be beaten.”
Today, Kentucky’s next game is currently on Tuesday against Texas A&M at Rupp Arena, although the Aggies have only postponed their sixth consecutive game, with five delays due to positive COVID-19 test results, contact detection and subsequent quarantine individuals within the program.
While the program is still interrupted, it is not clear whether A&M will be cleared in time to travel to Lexington in just three days. And judging by Calipari’s comments after the game, there doesn’t seem to be much optimism on Kentucky’s part.
Asked about the possibility of adding new opponents to the schedule while discussing Friday morning, Calipari just returned a bit from the comments, adding that the UK may only play three SEC matches the last week of the season .
“Yes (we can add new games), but the glove that these kids just went through, I do not know if we will take a few days to catch our breath,” Calipari said. ‘Then try to play both A&M and South Carolina both last week where we get three games. Play Mississippi, then two home games before our conference tournament. This is what I would like to do. These kids need breath, come on now. They went through a glove. ‘
With this proposal, Kentucky would only play on Saturday when the Wildcats tackle the Florida Gators in the Rupp Arena, followed by the team’s trip to Oxford, MS for a battle with Ole Miss on Tuesday, March 2nd. Then, according to Calipari’s suggestion, UK would fit in between March 3-7 in the A&M and South Carolina makeup games, giving Kentucky four more games on the schedule.
And from there, UK would go to the Nashville tournament next week, hopefully staying from March 10 to 14 and coming home with a conference trophy.
Would fans prefer a free week before two weekends of chaos?