The Kentucky Wildcats just can’t catch a break. This season has been an absolute nightmare when it comes to injuries. They started SEC play strong, winning three of their first four games, but since then it’s been a rough ride, dropping three of their last four. And when things were looking up for the Wildcats as they hosted Tennessee on Tuesday, more bad news. Star player Jaxson Robinson, who had stepped up big-time in Lamont Butler’s absence earlier, was out. And after the game, head coach Mark Pope delivered a gut-punching update on Robinson’s injury.

It all started with Kerr Kriisa, who went down with a foot injury in a game against Gonzaga. Then Butler suffered a setback while hustling for a loose ball, forcing him to miss time. Luckily, Robinson filled the void impressively, becoming a key contributor to the Wildcats. But then he, too, went down.

The 22-year-old injured his wrist in practice last Friday in what Pope described as a “scary” collision. Still, he suited up against South Carolina the next day, playing 20 minutes and posting six points, five rebounds, and four assists. That gave fans hope. 

But, by Tuesday, the senior was officially ruled out, and the coach’s post-game update didn’t sound promising. “I’m not sure we’re going to get him back anytime soon,” Pope admitted. “But I’m hoping, I’m praying, that we get him back sooner.”

For a team already struggling with depth, losing Robinson is a brutal blow. He has been Kentucky’s second-leading scorer (13.3 points) and the team’s leader in minutes played. Before Tuesday, he had started all 23 of Kentucky’s games this season.

“My heart’s broken for Jax right now because he deserves to be out there on the court and be a part of this,” the HC added. “He’s a super-senior, and he’s helped build this identity that we have right now.”

And, as if the Wildcats needed another problem, Butler also re-aggravated his shoulder during Tuesday’s game and had to leave early. However, despite missing two key players, Kentucky still managed to take down Tennessee—again.

Mark Pope & Co. still find a way to beat Tennessee

For the second time this season, Kentucky took down Tennessee. It’s been a rollercoaster year for the Wildcats—they’ve struggled against teams they were supposed to beat, yet they’ve delivered solid performances against top-ranked squads. 

Without Robinson from the get-go, and though Butler started, he left the game with 8:30 left to play because of shoulder pain. That didn’t slow Kentucky down. Instead, it seemed to light a fire under them, sparking a 12-2 run to close out the game and secure a 75-64 win.

They came out strongly in the first half, pushing the pace and finding a good offensive rhythm. By halftime, they had built a seven-point lead. But the Vols fought back, tying things up midway through the second half and even taking a brief lead. But that didn’t last long. 

A clutch Koby Brea three-pointer with 4:24 left put Kentucky back in control, and from there, they never looked back. Four Wildcats (Otega Oweh, Ansley Almonor, Koby Brea, and Trent Noah) hit double figures in scoring.

Now, the team has turned their focus to a road matchup against Texas on Saturday. It’s going to be another tough challenge. But for now, all Kentucky fans can do is hope and pray for Robinson’s recovery—and cross their fingers that the injury curse doesn’t claim another baller.