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On this day two weeks ago, Kentucky obliterated then ranked No. 1 Tennessee at Rupp Arena by a final of 86-71.
This time around, it was the Vols at home and in control, as No. 4 Kentucky took their worst loss since the opening night nightmare against Duke and fell to No. 7 Tennessee by a final score of 71-52.
For Kentucky, the problem was an inability to hit shots. The Cats shot only 31.8% from the field and 26.3% from three.
Kentucky also fell victim to Jordan Bone’s stellar performance for Tennessee. The junior point guard dropped 27 points leading the Vols to the big win.
With Kentucky’s loss, they now not only are unlikely to win the SEC regular season title but also made their case a little harder to make for a one seed in the NCAA tournament.
After a brutal day on Rocky Top, Kentucky Twitter was full of emotion:
“Curb Your Kentucky Fandom” pic.twitter.com/AmXO9hLqMY
— Hey Kentucky! (@hey_kentucky) March 2, 2019
Jordan Bone is a problem.
— Tod Lanter (@tod_lanterIII) March 2, 2019
If Nick Richards had done that, he would have been called for six walks.
— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) March 2, 2019
Very dramatic walk call there made sure all eyes were in him
— Curtis Burch (@curtisburch) March 2, 2019
Nick Richards said "NAH" ... probably pic.twitter.com/iEklFrPigT
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 2, 2019
Nick Richards told Admiral "NO SIR!" pic.twitter.com/Wlag6NlP3c
— Nick Roush (@RoushKSR) March 2, 2019
*Kentucky https://t.co/SsbLcwuMeN
— Shawn Smith (@gbbcountry) March 2, 2019
— KY Clips™️ (@KY_Clips) March 2, 2019
So Tyler did a bad, I gather. https://t.co/bf6xmJmke1
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) March 2, 2019
This isn’t happening because of Travis being out. This is happening because Kentucky just can’t hit a shot right now.
— Round Daddy (@JStreble82) March 2, 2019
Grant Williams flops more than a soccer player.
— Nick Roush (@RoushKSR) March 2, 2019
Cal finally got the technical he was begging for.
— Derek Terry (@DerekSTerry) March 2, 2019
First-half recap: pic.twitter.com/aWeNMwdy1i
— A Sea of Blue (@ASeaOfBlue) March 2, 2019
Can this game be over?
— Big Blue Drew (@BigBlueDrew33) March 2, 2019
Signed
-An Enjoyable Saturday
We're onto Oxford
— Aaron Gershon (@agershon99) March 2, 2019
“It was the first game in a while where we did not play for each other. ... The team I’m coaching, we absolutely need each.” - Cal
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) March 2, 2019
Would you believe me if I told you that Kentucky's largest deficit between opening night (down 37 to Duke) and tonight (down 20 against the Vols) was ... 12 points in the first five minutes in the first meeting with Vanderbilt?
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) March 2, 2019
I have to applaud Richards effort in this game. He’s had the most energy and efficient at the free throw line
— Corey Clark (@2ceezzz) March 2, 2019
Reid Travis wouldn’t have made everyone’s shots go in but I’ll say this. I think this teams approach and confidence would be much better with him. Really hope to see him play at least one regular season game before postseason play begins.
— Shawn Smith (@gbbcountry) March 2, 2019
How much would the Cats like to get Round 3 rubber match on a neutral floor? "We're definitely going to see them again," Nick Richards said. "It's going to be a good battle. The rivalry is great. We're going to see them again soon."
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) March 2, 2019