In a pivotal SEC Tournament quarterfinal matchup on March 14, 2025, the Kentucky Wildcats faced the Alabama Crimson Tide without their senior guard, Lamont Butler. Butler, who had re-aggravated a left shoulder injury during the previous game against Oklahoma, was ruled out for the contest.
Head coach Mark Pope provided an optimistic update prior to the game, stating that medical evaluations yielded the “best possible news” regarding Butler’s condition. Despite the positive prognosis, the decision was made to rest Butler to ensure his readiness for the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
In Butler’s absence, freshman guard Travis Perry was thrust into the starting lineup. Perry contributed 11 points over 30 minutes but struggled defensively against Alabama’s dynamic backcourt. The Wildcats’ offense appeared disjointed without Butler’s leadership, resulting in 16 turnovers that Alabama converted into 29 points.
Alabama capitalized on Kentucky’s vulnerabilities, leading from start to finish and securing a dominant 99-70 victory. This 29-point margin marked Kentucky’s worst loss in SEC Tournament history and underscored the impact of Butler’s absence.
Looking ahead, Coach Pope expressed hope that Butler would return for the NCAA Tournament, emphasizing the importance of his experience and playmaking abilities. Kentucky’s performance in the tournament will heavily depend on Butler’s health and the team’s ability to regroup after this significant setback.
