Pitino Benches 2 Starters

Andre Riddick and Rodrick Rhodes were benched by Kentucky men’s basketball coach Rick Pitino in the wake of the eighth-ranked Wildcats’ 88-86 loss to Louisville on New Year’s Day.

“I’ve decided to play the guys that work the hardest, play the most together (and) show the spirit and work ethic that have made Kentucky basketball what it’s become the last five years,” Pitino said.

Silas Mills, Utah State’s No. 2 basketball scorer, was suspended indefinitely by coach Larry Eustachy.

Mills spent the second half of Monday night’s win over Boise State on the bench with a towel draped around his shoulders.

“Silas Mills is not on this team right now,” Eustachy said after the game. “He’s suspended indefinitely for attitude detrimental to this team’s progress. And indefinitely means indefinitely. I don’t want to say another word about it. I’ve spent enough time talking about Silas Mills.”

Through the Aggies’ first seven games, the 6-foot-7 forward was averaging nearly 15 points and eight rebounds per game.