Big Blue Links: Kentucky basketball moving closer to another SEC title

Big Blue Links for Wednesday:

Not to be repetitive, but Kentucky has some really good guards, says my column. Alabama coach Avery Johnson, a former NBA player and then head coach, said he definitely thinks Tyler Ulis is a pro, despite Ulis’ height of 5-foot-9.

Alex Poythress’ return helps UK roll over Alabama, reports Jerry Tipton of the Herald-Leader. After missing five games because of a knee injury, Poythress scored 14 points in 17 minutes on Tuesday night.

Poythress return ignites Kentucky rout, reports Kyle Tucker of the Courier-Journal. With Derrick Willis out thanks to his ankle sprain, Poythress gave the Cats a needed inside presence against Alabama.

Poythress proves his worth, writes Alex Forkner of the Cats Pause. The senior made five of his six shots from the floor and four of six free throws.

Poythress gives UK a boost, writes Keith Taylor of KyForward. “It felt good to be out there again,” said Poythress, who missed the previous five games because of an undisclosed knee injury. “I missed basketball. I wasn’t nervous and there was no point in being nervous. It’s just basketball.”

Tuesday was no ordinary day for birthday boy Jamal Murray, writes Josh Ellis of the Kentucky Kernel. Murray celebrated by scoring a team-high 23 points in Kentucky’s 78-53 win over Alabama.

Kentucky moves closer to another SEC title, writes Rick Bozich of WDRB. Kentucky is 11-4 in league play with just three regular season games to go before the conference tourney in Nashville.

No matter the circumstances, Kentucky keeps improving, writes Guy Ramsey of Cat Scratches. “Kentucky was on top of their game,” said Alabama coach Avery Johnson.

Karl-Anthony Towns doesn’t believe in a “rookie wall,” reports Brent Youngblood of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. “You guys see it,” said Towns, the first-year pro from the University of Kentucky. “You guys waited a long time for me to have this media thing. That’s what’s keeping me from hitting the so-called rookie wall. I work tremendously hard. I’m always one of the last people to leave the gym. So that’s what keeps me going.’’

Josh Allen could be a key for UK’s revamped defense, writes Alex Otte for Vaught’s Views. With Jason Hatcher no longer on the team, the Cats will be looking for pass rushers next season.

Arkansas extends LSU’s free fall, reports Sheldon Mickles of The Advocate. The Razorkbacks whip LSU 85-65 in Fayetteville. Pat Adams hit Ben Simmons with a technical foul that fouled out LSU’s star freshman.

Vanderbilt damages Florida’s tournament hopes, writes Kevin Brockway of the Gainesville Sun. The Commodores beat the Gators 87-74 in Gainesville to sweep the season series between the two teams.

Missouri’s road woes deepen with loss at Ole Miss, reports Tod Palmer of the Kansas City Star. Mizzou is now 3-12 in league play.