Showdown at Rupp: No. 1 Auburn Faces No. 17 Kentucky in High-Stakes SEC Battle
Rupp Arena is set for a thrilling showdown on Saturday as No. 1 Auburn (26-2, 14-1 SEC) rolls into Lexington to take on No. 17 Kentucky (19-9, 8-7 SEC) in a crucial late-season clash.
The Tigers haven’t won in Lexington since 1988, but Bruce Pearl’s squad is having a historic season and closing in on the SEC regular-season title. A victory over Mark Pope’s Wildcats would further cement their dominance.
Meanwhile, Kentucky is hunting for its 10th Quad 1 win and looking to secure a top-eight seed in the SEC Tournament, which would grant a bye to the second round. The Wildcats took a step in the right direction with a last-second win over Oklahoma on Wednesday, but a win against Auburn would be a massive boost heading into the postseason.
Key Injury Updates Ahead of the Clash
The SEC injury report dropped on Friday night, bringing both good and bad news for Kentucky. The final update will be released Saturday morning before tipoff.
Kentucky’s Injury Report: Who’s In, Who’s Out?
- Lamont Butler (IN) – The fifth-year guard, who returned from a left shoulder injury in the win over Oklahoma, is cleared to play against Auburn. Pope confirmed Butler is doing well: “Lamont came out great,” Pope said Friday. Butler played 20 minutes against the Sooners, recording seven points, six assists, four rebounds, and three turnovers. Despite fouling out late, he led all players with a +10 efficiency rating while wearing a large shoulder brace.
- Jaxson Robinson (OUT) – The second-leading scorer for Kentucky (13.0 PPG) will not play after reaggravating a right wrist injury in the Oklahoma game. Robinson, who had seven points in 12 minutes, did not return after halftime, keeping his wrist completely wrapped on the bench. “Jax’s wrist didn’t respond great tonight,” Pope admitted.
- Andrew Carr & Amari Williams(IN) – Both fifth-year players came through the Oklahoma game without issues.
- Carr has started three straight games, averaging 11.7 points and 3.7 rebounds.
- Williams briefly injured his right foot early against Oklahoma but returned and played 19 minutes, scoring eight points.
- Kerr Kriisa (OUT) – The fifth-year guard will miss his 20th consecutive game after suffering a fractured foot in December. He was seen shooting before Wednesday’s game, but his on-court work remains limited. A medical redshirt is still under discussion.
Auburn Enters at Full Strength
Auburn has no players listed on the SEC injury report. Senior guard Chad Baker-Mazara, who was a game-time decision before Wednesday’s win over Ole Miss, ended up playing 29 minutes and scored 22 points with four three-pointers.
The Stakes: Can Kentucky Pull Off the Upset?
This game isn’t just about records—it’s about momentum heading into March Madness. Auburn boasts the most efficient offense in college basketball during the KenPom era (since 1996-97). For Kentucky to stand a chance, Butler’s defense will be key.
With Auburn eyeing its first win in Lexington in 37 years and Kentucky fighting for postseason positioning, expect fireworks at Rupp Arena on Saturday afternoon.
