Big Blue Links: Kentucky’s bounce-back win; Vanderbilt loses Luke Kornet

Big Blue Links for Thursday:

▪ Kentucky basketball has a high ceiling, but a long way to go reach it, says my column from UK’s 88-67 win over Eastern Kentucky on Wednesday night.

▪ Alex Poythress leads the way with 21 points and 13 rebounds in UK’s win, reports Jerry Tipton of the Herald-Leader.

▪ Herald-Leader photo gallery from No. 5 Kentucky’s win over visiting Eastern Kentucky.

▪ Janee Thompson becoming Kentucky women basketball’s big shot, reports Jennifer Smith of the Herald-Leader. UK plays host to Louisville on Thursday night.

▪ Alyssa Rice is back from a foot injury for UK women, reports Smith of the H-L.

▪ Kentucky uses 15-2 run to pull away from Colonels, reports Bob Flynn of the Richmond Register.

▪ Kentucky out to prove its tough enough, reports Kyle Tucker of the Courier-Journal.

▪ Some quick takeaways from Kentucky’s 21-point win, by Eric Crawford of WDRB.

▪ Airman surprises family during UK basketball game, reports Nation of Blue.

▪ Poythress is near-perfect as UK gets back on track with win over Colonels, reports Keith Taylor of KyForward.

▪ Calipari eager for Tai Wynyard to arrive, writes Jason Marcum of Sea of Blue.

▪ Despite win, Cats still a ways away, reports Jordan Ondrof of the Kentucky Kernel.

▪ Marcus Lee makes a good return after his injury in UCLA game, reports Alex Forkner of the Cats Pause.

▪ Patrick Towles out to reach NFL dream after transfer, reports Courier-Journal.

▪ Debbie Yow has fond memories of UK and Joe B. Hall, writes Jamie Vaught of KyForward.

▪ UK basketball season statistics through nine games.

▪ UK basketball individual game-by-game stats in a Google Doc.

SEC links for Thursday:

▪ Damien Harris patiently waiting his turn at Alabama, reports Ben Jones of Tidesports.com.

▪ Vanderbilt loses Luke Kornet, then game to Dayton, reports Adam Sparks of the Tennessean.

▪ Missouri basketball picks up its third straight win, reports Tod Palmer of the Kansas City Sar.

▪ Florida’s Jim McElwain chosen SEC Coach of the Year, reports Robbie Andreu of the Gainesville Sun.

▪ Texas A&M’s Christian Kirk named SEC Freshman of the Year, reports Bryan/College Station Eagle.

▪ Auburn sells out initial ticket allotment to Birmingham Bowl, reports Brandon Marcello of AL.com.

▪ Auburn football’s coaching budget for assistants was second-highest in the country, reports Mike Niziolek of the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer.

▪ LSU’s coaches were highest-paid, reports Ross Dellenger of The Advocate.

▪ Bigger lineup paying off for Ole Miss basketball, reports Daniel Pauling of the Clarion-Ledger.

▪ Kirby Smart has a plan for Georgia football, reports Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner-Herald.

▪ Recruiting efforts heat up in Muschamp’s first week at South Carolina, reports The State.

▪ Is different offensive approach the key for Muschamp at South Carolina? asks David Caraviello of the Charleston Post and Courier.