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Kentucky vs. Texas A&M, SEC Tournament: TV/Streaming Info, Keys to the Game, and Predictions

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The Kentucky Wildcats will rematch against the Texas A&M Aggies in their first game of the SEC Tournament in Nashville.
Photo by Chet White | UK Athletics

The time has finally come for the Kentucky Wildcats to take the court and tip off their first game of the SEC Tournament in Nashville on Friday evening.

Winning 33 SEC Tournament Championships, the SEC Tournament has long been looked at as the ‘Big Blue Invitational,’ but as of late, that has not been the case. The conference has improved and become much deeper, with other teams like Alabama and Tennessee finding success.

Not making the SEC Championship game since 2018, the Wildcats will look to change that this season. That will start on Friday evening, with a rematch against the Texas A&M Aggies in the Quarterfinal Round, who is coming off a tough-fought win over Ole Miss.

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For the Aggies, they are playing for their NCAA Tournament hopes. They need a win on Friday night to secure their spot in the NCAA Tournament. A loss, and they’ll be sweating out Selection Sunday, especially if there are bid-stealers in other conferences. For Kentucky, a win will secure their spot as a 3-seed, and potentially make a late push as a 2-seed.

Flashback to the game in College Station back in January, it was one of Reed Sheppard’s first breakout performances in SEC play. However, the real story was the game of the guard duo of Wade Taylor IV and Tyrece Radford, who combined for 59 points and led the Aggies to a 97-92 upset over Kentucky.

This time around, Kentucky has improved and plays through physicality much better, while Texas A&M looks much the same. But we all know how Kentucky brings the best out of opponents, so expect another inspired effort from Buzz Williams’ squad, fighting to keep their season alive.

Now, let’s look at a few things to watch heading into Friday night’s matchup.

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Rebounding Battle

Although Kentucky succeeded in pushing the first game into overtime, they were fortunate to do so with a late push from Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard. What created so much trouble for Kentucky was the Aggies’ dominance on the boards.

In their winning effort, Texas A&M won the rebounding battle 54-46, which included 25 offensive rebounds. While not a very efficient offensive team, this allowed the Aggies to attempt six more field goals and nine additional foul shots in a game ultimately decided by five points.

Against a team that shoots below 40 percent on the season, one of the worst marks in the country, Kentucky cannot give up that many extra possessions. Combatting that starts with physicality on defense and the boards, and having the advantage in 50/50 balls.

This time around, the Wildcats will have maybe the most physical presence on the team, Adou Thiero, who was sidelined due to a back injury in the first matchup.

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A&M players have already spoken about wanting to slow the game down and try to force Kentucky to play more of a ‘grind-it-out’ style. Expect an intense battle lasting the full 40 minutes.

Win or You’re Done Mentality

Kentucky won’t have to sweat things out on Selection Sunday, with most projections having them as 3 or 4-seed in the NCAA Tournament. However, with a young and sometimes inconsistent team, it is key to get each player in the mindset of playing each game like it’s the last game. While it may not be true for the Cats this week in Nashville, it certainly will be in the next Tournament.

On Friday, the Cats will face an NCAA Tournament quality opponent, who is fighting for their NCAA Tournament hopes, in a postseason atmosphere. That is certainly beneficial.

If they come mentally prepared with that mindset, fight like every possession is your last, and win, they can lock up a 3-seed and could make a run at a 2-seed with Duke and Creighton being upset in their conference tournaments.

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Backcourt Defense

Kentucky’s backcourt is one of the best in the country and they showed in the first matchup against A&M, at least offensively, putting up 68 of Kentucky’s 92 points. The issue came defensively, where they allowed Preseason SEC Player of the Year Wade Taylor IV and Tyrece Radford to score 59 points.

Neither player is really efficient, both shooting less than 41 percent on the season, but they account for nearly half of the team’s shots. Both are willing shooters (obviously), but they are more dangerous on drives. Kentucky needs to stay between their man and the basket.

At that point, they also need to do their best to defend without fouling. In the first matchup Taylor and Radford combined for 21 free throws, the same amount Kentucky shot for the game. That wasn’t an outlier as they average almost 10 free throws per game.

Opposing Players to watch

G Wade Taylor 6-0, 175 pounds

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  • 18.0 PPG (4th in SEC)
  • 3.5 RPG
  • 4.1 APG (9th in SEC)
  • 2.0 SPG (3rd in SEC)

G Tyrece Radford 6-3, 190 pounds

  • 15.5 PPG
  • 5.9 RPG
  • 2.3 APG
  • 41% from the field

F Andersson Garcia 6-7, 215 pounds

  • 6.0 PPG
  • 9.4 RPG
  • 1.4 SPG
  • 53.8% shooting (44.4% from 3)

Kentucky Basketball vs. Texas A&M Aggies

  • Date: March 15th, 2024
  • Time: 7:00 pm ET
  • TV Channel: The SEC Network will have TV coverage
  • Location: Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN
  • Online Stream: WatchESPN and the ESPN app.
  • Radio: Tom Leach and Jack Givens have the UK radio call on the UK Sports Radio Network.
  • Replay: WatchESPN and the SEC Network (check local listings).
  • Rosters: UK | A&M
  • Stats to Know: UK | A&M
  • KenPomUK | A&M
  • Team SheetsUK | A&M
  • Odds: No official spread yet, but the spread is expected to be around 6 points in favor of the Cats. KenPom gives Kentucky a 63% chance of winning, while EvanMiya has it at 70%.
  • Predictions: KenPom has the Cats winning 81-78. EvanMiya projects an 81-76 victory, Kentucky! Check back later as more predictions roll in.

Also published on A Sea of Blue.

Men's Basketball

Kentucky Transfer Jaland Lowe Withdraws From 2025 NBA Draft

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Jaland Lowe
UK Athletics

Jaland Lowe, the presumed starting point guard for Mark Pope’s 2025-26 squad, has officially withdrawn his name from the 2025 NBA Draft and will suit up for the Wildcats in his junior season.

Lowe announced his decision on social media on Thursday, May 22, stating that he “Can’t miss this opportunity” to continue the legacy of great Kentucky guards.

The former Pittsburgh Panther is coming off of a dominant sophomore season, averaging 16.8 points per game to go along with 5.5 assists per game. He took on the load of Pittsburgh’s offense, resulting in low shooting percentages from both the field and from deep.

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However, Mark Pope, in a recent interview with KSR, stated he wants to make things easier for Lowe.

“Jaland Lowe was elite level, in terms of the raw stats, points, assists, everything else he did in the game was really good, but he wasn’t a super efficient player last year,” Pope said. “Not dissimilar in some ways from Lamont Butler…with a little bit of study, and a little bit of humility and curiosity, we can transform your efficiency like crazy.”

Lowe can do a little bit of everything on the court, and adds another layer of balance and depth to a deep Kentucky squad. He’s athletic, can play defense, and as promised by Pope, will be way more efficient on the offensive side of the ball.

Now that things are officially official, Lowe will look to capitalize on having less pressure on his shoulders at Kentucky and lead the team to that desperate No. 9 championship.

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Men's Basketball

Making History: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Named NBA’s 2024-2025 MVP

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Former Wildcat and current Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander becomes the first Kentucky player to win the NBA's MVP award.
Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai GilgeousAlexander becomes the first former Wildcat to win the NBA’s MVP award.

After leading his team to a league-best 68-14 record, clinching the number one seed in the Western Conference for the second consecutive season. GilgeousAlexander led the NBA with 32.7 points per game. 

A proven three-level scorer, the recently crowned MVP had the most 20-, 30-, 40- and 50-point games this season. On an efficient 51.9% from the field.

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The last MVP-winning guard to shoot above 50% in a season was unanimous victor Stephen Curry in the 2015-2016 season.

GilgeousAlexander is known for being able to score from anywhere on the floor. In addition to having a knack for drawing fouls, he led the NBA with 7.9 free-throw attempts per game. 

His tendency to draw fouls has been a topic of debate amongst fans. However, it’s undeniable that GilgeousAlexander is one of the best from the line, shooting at a near 90% clip in the regular season.

Defensively, the Thunder guard was a standout, averaging a block, one of five guards to do so, and 1.7 steals per game.

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GilgeousAlexander beat out Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. 

In recent years, the MVP battle has favored big men, as the former Wildcat becomes the first guard to win MVP since former Houston Rocket James Harden accomplished the feat in the 2017-18 season.

Jokic has been on a historic run by winning three of the last four MVP awards. In 2024, Jokic edged out GilgeousAlexander, who finished in second place last year. 

Meanwhile, the 6-foot-11 Antetokounmpo won back-to-back MVP awards in 2019 and 2020.

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Joining a class of his own, GilgeousAlexander is the first of 137 NBA-bound former Kentucky players to win the NBA’s MVP award. His journey to the top is a unique one.

Hailing from Ontario, Canada, GilgeousAlexander chose to play for the 2016 Canadian national team rather than taking the traditional AAU circuit. This meant he would be missing the Nike, Under Armour, and Adidas circuits, where athletes often show off their skills for scouts.

Nevertheless, GilgeousAlexander was named a consensus four-star prospect.

Originally, GilgeousAlexander committed to the University of Florida as a senior in high school. Ultimately, the coveted prospect reopened his recruitment process and later opted for Kentucky over Florida, Syracuse, UNLV, NC State, Texas and Kansas.

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Joining a stacked 2017 recruiting class curated by head coach John Calipari that featured future NBA players Jarred Vanderbilt, Hamidou Diallo, Nick Richards, Kevin Knox and PJ Washington.

In his lone season in Lexington, GilgeousAlexander led Kentucky in scoring with 21 points per game on 55.3% shooting from the field to pair with 6.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. The Wildcats went 26-11 in the regular season. 

GilgeousAlexander and the Cats trekked through the SEC Tournament, beating Georgia and Alabama handily in the opening rounds. The Wildcats went on to beat their border state rival, Tennessee, in the SEC Championship game; GilgeousAlexander went off for a collegiate career-high 29 points in the 77-72 victory. 

It stands today as Kentucky’s most recent SEC Championship. 

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Unfortunately for the Wildcats, their season would come to an end in the Sweet Sixteen. Kentucky lost narrowly, 61-58, against the Wildcats of Kansas State. 

Despite Kentucky’s shortcomings, it was a successful individual season for GilgeousAlexander, as he was named to the All-SEC Second Team and the SEC All-Freshman Team. 

The Canadian native declared for the 2018 NBA Draft after a promising second half of the season. 

GilgeousAlexander was drafted No. 11 by the Charlotte Hornets but was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in a pick swap. Charlotte received the No. 12 selection, which became Miles Bridges from Michigan State, and two future second-round picks. 

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According to Bleacher Report, the freshly drafted prospect was comparable to the likes of NBA veterans Shaun Livingston and Alfred Payton due to his 6-foot-6 frame and almost 7-foot wingspan. 

In the eyes of scouts, he lacked a quick twitch and a reliable jump shot despite being a lottery pick.

GilgeousAlexander spent his rookie season in Los Angeles, starting 73 games for the Clippers while averaging 10.3 points, 3.3 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game. The Clippers guard finished sixth in Rookie of the Year voting and was named to the All-Rookie Second Team.

Los Angeles snuck into the playoffs as an No. 8 seed to face off against the back-to-back champion Golden State Warriors. The Clippers lost in a competitive six-game series.

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On July 10, 2019, GilgeousAlexander was traded for the second time in his career. In blockbuster fashion, Oklahoma City traded star Paul George to the Clippers in exchange for Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, five first-round draft picks and the rights to swap two other first-round picks. 

Since arriving in Oklahoma City, Gilgeous-Alexander’s career has blossomed.

Over the previous three seasons, the Thunder have steadily improved in parallel to Gilgeous-Alexander as a player. For the third straight season, the Thunder superstar has been named an All-Star and finished top-5 in MVP voting.

Additionally, this will be Gilgeous-Alexander’s third straight All-NBA First Team nod.

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Gilgeous-Alexander becomes the third Thunder player to win MVP in franchise history, following in the footsteps of Oklahoma City legends and future Hall of Famers Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. 

Currently, the Thunder are in pursuit of an NBA Championship led by Gilgeous-Alexander. 

Oklahoma City beat the Memphis Grizzlies in a 4-0 sweep in round one. The Thunder beat the Jokic-led Denver Nuggets in the second round in seven games to punch a ticket to the Western Conference Finals.

This week, Oklahoma City faces off against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Thus far, Gilgeous-Alexander’s Thunder hold a 1-0 lead in the series.

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The winner will place a bid in the 2025 NBA Finals.

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Men's Basketball

Four Star Freshman Forward Commits to Kentucky

Boom! Mark Pope lands his latest in a long line of impressive commitments ahead of the 2025-26 basketball season.

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Braydon Hawthorne commits to Kentucky.
UK Athletics

Another domino falls for Kentucky’s 2025-26′ roster, this time in the form of four star freshman guard Braydon Hawthorne’s commitment.

Hawthorne, a former WVU commit before the program’s coaching change, has slowly but surely risen on recruiting ranks nationwide, going from completely unranked to in the Top 100 across the board. On3 ranks him as the 48th-best of class recruit for 2025.

He chose Kentucky over a multitude of schools, from mid-majors to power four programs, with West Virginia appearing to have been the opposite frontrunner. Hawthorne’s commitment comes shortly after his official visit to Kentucky on Thursday, April 17, as well as after a trip to Virginia Tech, which took place the following day.

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The 6’8″, 175 small forward will bring versatile wing play to a Kentucky team that has already loaded up on athleticism and size. His 7-foot-3 wingspan alone is enough to raise eyebrows, but beyond the numbers, Hawthorne is a pure scorer with an invisible ceiling.

Heading into Lexington as a true freshman, too, the Big Blue Nation might get used to seeing him around for a while. While the Mark Pope era thus far has been predominately focused on veteran talent, it’s important going forward to sprinkle in some future-proofing players too, and Hawthorne fits that bill and then some.

BBN can show their support to the newest Wildcat on X (@BraydonH20) and Instragram (@braydonhawthorne). With yet another highly-ranked recruit down, Pope has put together one of the most dangerous rosters in the country. Fall can’t come soon enough.

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