Patterson is not only the Cats lone interior presence, but with him in the lineup at least they had a chance to win. I'm not sure how they'll recover from this injury. Who does Gillispie turn to now? Mark Coury. Perry Stevenson. I don't think so. Take a look at the numbers. Patterson is averaging 16.4 points and 7.7 rebounds a game. He's the only freshman in the top 10 in the SEC in both categories. Coury and Stevenson put together only average 7.4 points and 6.3 rebounds. So there's no doubt the Cats are in trouble. an NCAA tournament berth seems highly unlikely now.

But they can't just throw in the towel. They have to at least try to minimalize Patterson's absence? The most logical scenario seems for Coach Gillispie to use an even smaller lineup with Derrick Jasper, Ramel Bradley, and Joe Crawford manning the one, two and three positions respectively. Throw Stevenson at the five spot and look to Ramon Harris or AJ Stewart at the four. Not an ideal lineup on the inside but what other choice does Gillispie have? Other guys need to step up including Coury, Stevenson and Jared Carter. The Scott County product should see more time starting Sunday at top ranked Tennessee.

Let me know what you think.