Kentucky will once again be shorthanded as it prepares for a crucial SEC showdown against Vanderbilt at Rupp Arena on Saturday afternoon.
Mark Pope’s Wildcats are looking to bounce back from one of the toughest losses of the season — an 80-55 blowout defeat to the Commodores in Nashville last month. That loss marked the third time under Pope that Kentucky has fallen by 25 points or more, and now the Cats will try to flip the script in Lexington.
Kentucky’s Injury Report
Just like in the first meeting, Kentucky will have only nine healthy scholarship players available.
The Wildcats will be without:
Jaland Lowe (junior guard) – Out for the season following multiple right shoulder injuries that required surger
Jayden Quaintance (sophomore forward) – Out with ongoing knee issues related to the torn ACL he suffered in February 2025 while at Arizona State. This will be his 14th straight missed game. He hasn’t played since Jan. 7 and has appeared in only four games this season after arriving as Kentucky’s top transfer addition.
Kam Williams (sophomore wing) – Recovering from surgery after breaking his left foot on Jan. 21 against Texas. Saturday marks his 10th straight missed game.
Despite the setbacks, Pope hasn’t ruled out the possibility of either Quaintance or Williams returning before the season ends.
Williams, in particular, could be a major boost if he’s able to come back. He is no longer in a walking boot and traveled with the team to South Carolina earlier this week. Before his injury, he was averaging 6.9 points per game while shooting 34.8% from three-point range, 44.9% from the field, and an impressive 95% from the free-throw line.
Pope emphasized how valuable Williams has become.
“He grew through the course of the season into one of our most reliable people,” Pope said. “We’re in desperate need of minute help to relieve some of the pressure on our guys. If he comes back, it’s going to be a huge boon for us. If not, we’ll find a way to make it work.”
Even with limited depth, Pope has opted not to burn the redshirts of freshman Braydon Hawthorne and junior Reece Potter.
Vanderbilt’s Injury Situation
The Commodores are dealing with injury concerns of their own.
Frankie Collins (graduate guard) – Out. He hasn’t played since Dec. 17 while reportedly battling a meniscus injury.
Mike James (junior guard) – Listed as doubtful, which under SEC guidelines means there’s roughly a 25% chance he plays. James, a former Louisville guard, has averaged 1.5 points and 2.0 rebounds in 11.1 minutes across 21 games this season.
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington recently declined to clarify Collins’ status within the program following a midweek win over Georgia.
An updated availability report is expected at noon Saturday, just hours before tip-off.
Game Details
Kentucky enters the matchup at 18-10 overall and 9-6 in SEC play, while No. 25 Vanderbilt sits at 22-6 and 9-6 in conference games.
Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. ET at Rupp Arena, with the game airing on ESPN.
With just three regular-season games remaining before the SEC Tournament begins March 11 in Nashville — and the NCAA Tournament tipping off March 19 — every possession now carries extra weight.
Short-handed and seeking redemption, Kentucky will need resilience, energy, and execution to avoid another difficult chapter against the Commodores.
