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Playing its first game of the season without sophomore point guard Tyler Ulis (hyperextended right elbow), No. 1 Kentucky fended off a tough Illinois State team, 75-63, Monday night at Rupp Arena.
After injuring the elbow Friday against South Florida, the 5-foot-9 Ulis sat on the bench and remains questionable for Thursday’s game at UCLA.
“I doubt he practices [Tuesday],” said Kentucky coach John Calipari, whose team improved to 7-0.
“We’re going to travel and practice out in L.A. But, I would tell you, he probably needs to practice the next day, Wednesday, before we play on Thursday to see if he can go. If he can’t go, we’ll go as is. We’ll play with what we have.”
As first reported Sunday by SNY.tv, X-rays on Ulis’ elbow were negative and he’s OK.
Without Ulis, freshman point guard Isaiah Briscoe started at point guard and went for 18 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 turnovers, while fellow freshman Jamal Murray had 16 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assists and 4 turns.
“Without Tyler, it’s obvious we’re not the same team,” Calipari said. “I mean, unless you were watching another game, we’re not the same team. But it still doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t play hard and guys shouldn’t battle and fight for balls.”
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