Scotty Pippen Jr. ready for "payback" vs. Kentucky

Kentucky’s already beaten Vanderbilt twice this season, most recently on February 2 at Rupp Arena by a score of 77-70. It wasn’t the prettiest win; in fact, it was downright ugly, prompting John Calipari to say in his postgame press conference that he doesn’t want to see the Commodores again.

“If we see them again, it will be in the tournament, and I hope we don’t see them in the tournament,” Calipari said a month ago.

Upon learning that his team will face the ‘Dores for the third time in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals, Calipari echoed those remarks, calling Vanderbilt a “dangerous” team thanks to Scotty Pippen Jr., who grew up dreaming of being a Kentucky Wildcat.

“We’ve got tough matchups. [Scotty] Pippen has killed us. Probably averaging 40 a game against us and when you get in these environments if a guy can go put up 40 you’re probably losing but they’ve got everybody healthy. They had some guys out so I would say they’re dangerous and playing as well as anyone in our league right now.”

Scotty Pippen Jr.’s final shot at Kentucky?

Pippen Jr. had 33 points in the loss in Lexington and 32 points in the game in Nashville in January. He’s increased his point total in each outing vs. the Cats. Even though he struggled shooting tonight vs. Alabama, making only 26.3% (5-19) of his field goals, he hit 15 free throws to finish with 26 points along with 7 assists.

“He’s really crafty,” Calipari said of Pippen tonight. “And then offensively when he gets going, whether he shoots the threes, he’s a great layup shooter. He creates space. He snakes in on pick and rolls. He’s a really crafty player with that ball.”

After his team’s thrilling 82-76 win over Alabama, Pippen Jr. admitted he’s ready for what could be his final shot at Kentucky.

“They’ve beaten us twice. Haven’t beat them since I have been here, so a little bit of payback going into this game with a chip on our shoulder. A little bit of momentum we have, so it’s good to see them again and excited about it.”

Cats better be ready.