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Understandably so, folks in the Big Blue Nation are still upset over the ending of last night’s game against LSU.
After Keldon Johnson hit two free throws to tie the game at 71, LSU’s Skylar Mays drove straight through the Kentucky defense and was able to put up a layup while being contested by three Wildcats, leaving LSU’s Kavell Bigby-Williams open for a tip-in that beat the clock by half a second.
Even though it was clear on review that the ball was still in the cylinder and should have been basket interference. Nonetheless, that call is non-reviewable and since it beat the clock, the Tigers came away with their first win in Rupp Arena in a decade and Kentucky likely misses their chance at a 1-seed barring the chance they win out.
Will Wade, man....
Losing to LSU isn’t a “bad” loss in the same vein as earlier losses to Seton Hall and Alabama. LSU will be in contention to win the conference and could end up being a 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
But now the Wildcats trail Tennessee AND LSU in the conference standings. LSU has arguably the easiest remaining schedule of those three teams which leaves the possibility of Kentucky being the 3 seed in the SEC Tournament. That means the late game on Friday night with an early start on Saturday.
Kentucky has to quickly put this game behind them. The concern is that with such a controversial and emotional ending, they could carry that into Saturday when they will need to be as focused as ever with Tennessee coming to town. Kentucky needs to leave this game in the past because Saturday’s game just became that much more important.
Tweets of the Day
John Calipari compares final play to late shot clock violation against Wisconsin in 2015 Final Four. “This one’s easy to check. Go check it.”
— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) February 13, 2019
Yep, but that would be too sensible for college officials.
Tough loss, but Tennessee awaits. I feel like the Cats can still top the Vols. #BBN
— Terry Future Laker Brown™️ (@TBrown_80) February 13, 2019
#OptimisticTweetOfTheDay
Quickies
What we learned from Kentucky’s loss - Courier Journal
Ashton Hagans struggled in a big matchup last night.
John Calipari was not happy about the outcome - KSR
In other news, the sky is blue.
LSU’s win a huge moment for the Tigers - The Advocate
A look at the LSU perspective from last night’s game.
With Matt House gone, attention turns to UK’s next defensive coordinator - Herald Leader
Who will be leading the Wildcats defense next season?
Why Brad White is a frontrunner for the vacancy - KSR
White’s work with the outside linebackers last season caught plenty of attention.
Which in state prospects are the Wildcats recruiting - Cats Pause
Kentucky has offered several local players in the 2020 class.
Antonio Brown requests trade from Steelers - ESPN
Will the Steelers honor his request?
Predicting NFL offseason dominoes - ESPN
Some possibilities on how the NFL offseason could unfold.
Monmouth has had a drastic turnaround this season - NCAA
When Kentucky beat Monmouth, they were among the worst in D1. Now, they lead their conference.
Why the NFL Draft combine is coming to ABC - The Ringer
The relationship between the NFL and ESPN is “wonderful.”
For now, nobody won the Anthony Davis sweepstakes - The Ringer
The Pelicans, Lakers and the NBA come away losers.
Chris Bosh decides to no longer pursue NBA career - Yahoo
Chris Bosh’s NBA career is officially coming to an end.