Kentucky basketball is sitting down a key player for the remainder of the season. Starting point guard Jaland Lowe is undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope announced earlier this week.
The news came just five days before Tennessee hosts Kentucky in a rivalry matchup in Knoxville. It’s a game both teams badly need after a slow start to the conference slate.
Playing without Lowe is not a new development for Kentucky. Lowe has played in just nine of Kentucky’s 16 games this season and has often had his minutes restricted in the game’s he has played due to the right shoulder injury.
Lowe is averaging eight points and 2.4 assists per game this season, but has often been a spark for a Kentucky offense that’s badly needed one. He scored 13 points in Kentucky’s wins over Indiana and Gonzaga before scoring a season-high 21 points in the Wildcats’ SEC opening loss at Alabama.
Despite not being a strong shooter, Lowe boosts Kentucky’s offense with his ability to drive to the basket and create for others. But after playing just three minutes in Kentucky’s win at Mississippi State, the Wildcats decided to shut Lowe down for the season.
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With Lowe out for the remainder of the year, a number of Wildcats will need to step up in his absence. Freshman point guard Jasper Johnson is the most notable example.
Kentucky plays its first game after shutting Lowe down for the season on Wednesday night when they face LSU in Baton Rouge. The Wildcats are currently 10-6 (1-2 SEC) and need every win they can get to bolster their NCAA Tournament resume.
The Wildcats head to Knoxville Saturday for the latest rendition of the rivalry matchup. Tennessee survived a scare by knocking off Texas A&M 87-82 in double overtime. With the win, Tennessee improved to 2-2 in SEC play. With two challenging road trips to Alabama and Georgia coming up, the Vols are looking to hold serve at home.
Tennessee has had a ton of success against Kentucky under head coach Rick Barnes but has struggled at home as of late, losing three straight matchups against the Wildcats in Knoxville.
Tipoff between Tennessee and Kentucky from Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center is at noon ET Saturday. ESPN is broadcasting the game.
