Cross posted at perpetual state of bliss

What has become all too common in UK basketball games lately reared its ugly head yet again, as #18 UK fell to unranked Tennessee 89-85.

Mental lapses, untimely turnovers, and overall poor decision making were the pitfalls to this UK team yet again.  As in the Florida game, the run that cemented the lead for Tennessee came about at a time when the five on the floor made even the most avid UK fan scratch their heads in wonder.  For the second time in two games, teams have gone on huge runs to take the lead and not give it up because of a questionable five in the game.

I have tried to figure out what is wrong with this UK team, God help me I've tried.  The one recurring theme that keeps coming back to me is that this team, and the Junior class in particular, has one of the lowest basketball IQ's I have seen in quite some time.  Like the UCLA game, Kentucky was once again in the game after coming back from a big deficit.  Once again, they were within 3 points and looking to tie the game in the final two minutes, and turnover after turnover took the game out of their grasp.

We simply do not become a good team until we are down 16 points.  At that point, we begin to play.  No matter how good of a team you are, or perhaps in the Cats' case how good of a team you <span style="font-style: italic;">think</span> you are, you will not win many games with this mindset.  Instead, as with virtually every game for the past couple years, the Cats could not put together a complete game.  If the defense works, the offense shuts down.  Tonight, it was the complete opposite.  The Cats shot 55.4% from the field and 40% from three, yet could not stop Tennessee at the clutch times, or even take advantage of the opportunities that laid at their feet.

What more needs to be done to get this team to play?  My previous idea of hiring Matt Foley looks more and more sound as each game passes.  Perhaps personnel changes need to be made.  How about lineup changes?  That might shake things up.  Anything please.  Throw me a bone here.  I just want to watch UK without going through the same three emotions:

        1)  Disgust
        2)  Anxiety
        3)  Nausea (followed by heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea)

JL Blue offered this advice:

Time for a shakeup, you think, Tubby Smith? Maybe you should look to see if Bobby Perry might be better served -- clearly the team would be -- with a demotion. The guy is a momentum-builder ... for your opponent.

Two rebounds, four turnovers and 40% shooting in 18 useless minutes. Sheray Thomas? 6Eight boards. Perry Stevenson? Four rebounds, no turnovers in five minutes. Enough with this guy. It's in his head now, Tubby. Make the move.