LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- First-year Kentucky coach Billy Gillispie doesn't see many weaknesses in the Marquette team his Wildcats will play Thursday night in the opening round of the NCAA men's basketball tournament.

His own team, meanwhile, will be playing without star freshman Patrick Patterson, who's out with an ankle injury, and could also be without guard Jodie Meeks because of injury.

Kentucky takes an 18-12 record into the game in Anaheim, California, while Marquette is 24-9 and ranked 25th in the country.

Gillispie says the Golden Eagles have great guards and good role players, and they compete on every play.

In other words, it's just another challenge for a team that's spent the season trying to overcome injuries or other obstacles, such as shocking losses to Gardner-Webb and San Diego.