Today we witnessed a slight beat down in Knoxville by the Kentucky Wildcats, and you better enjoy it. No complaints, no ifs, and no buts.
We're finally seeing this team play how we expected them to, more importantly how they're suppose to, and I am as happy as ever. Kentucky just defeated a top twenty Tennessee team in Knoxville, whom held a strong double-digit lead just about the entire time. A John Calipari team turning it around just before March? Who would've expected?
Davion Mintz started off making 5 straight threes in the first half which got the show going, and was giving me Jodie Meeks vibes for a moment. His individual success today ended up getting competed by our future first-round draft pick, Isaiah Jackson, as he worked on totaling up his 16 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks and 1 steal stat line. Keion Brooks had a career-high 14 rebounds, with 10 points, 2 assists and a steal as well.
Kentucky had offensively their best game of the season as they shot 40% from the field (23/57), 50% from the three (7/14), and 85% from the charity stripe (17/20). Completely shot the lights out.
A Tennessee team that came into Rupp Arena and scored 82 on us just two weeks ago, was held to 55 points this afternoon on their home court. In the postgame press conference John Calipari admitted that the Volunteers "didn't play at their best," which I completely agree with, but he also pointed out that his team DID play at their best. Can't argue with that. That's why I'm blocking out any negative energy for the rest of this weekend and enjoying this beat down over the dirty Tennessee Volunteers.
Kentucky improves to 8-13 on the season, and will face the Texas A&M Aggies in Lexington this Tuesday evening. While you're thinking about it, how many games do you think Kentucky will win during the rest of their regular season schedule?
Fun Fact: Kentucky defeated Tennessee in both football AND basketball in Knoxville for the first time in the same season since 1958-59.
Go Cats.