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The Kentucky Wildcats had one of their worst outings of the season as they were destroyed by the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville.
The absence of Reid Travis was noticeable as the Vols were able to do whatever they wanted in the paint. But that wasn’t the entire story. Jordan Bone went off for 29 points as the UK guards were unable to keep him in front of them.
And then there’s the fact that both Ashton Hagans and Keldon Johnson have not looked like themselves for two straight games.
I still think the Cats are fine but it’s clear that they won’t be making a Final Four run without Reid Travis.
Tweets of the Day
Barnes on Reid Travis' absence: "I thought he was a big factor in the first game. His defense and physicality. There's no doubt Reid Travis' presence gives them a different physicality."
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) March 2, 2019
Reid Travis on the floor also means that teams have to focus on him as offensive threat which leaves PJ Washington one on one. The Vols doubled Washington yesterday as they were not concerned with Nick Richards or EJ Montgomery beating them.
Kentucky has 2 losses by at least 19 points in the same season for the first time since 2007-2008
— Corey Price (@coreyp08) March 2, 2019
What a strange stat for as good as this season has been.
Quickies
Cats will likely see Vols again | Cats Pause- Much like last season, you can pretty much bet on a round three for these two teams.
Cats lack energy, toughness, and shooting touch | WDRB- That about sums it up. It was an all systems failure for the Cats as nothing seemed to work for them yesterday.
Cats and Vols trade seeding | CBS- A two seed isn’t the end of the world. In fact, it may be a good thing because that could very well put UK in Louisville for the Sweet 16 and Elite 8.
ESPN Power Rankings | ESPN- The Cats are at number four after dropping a major clunker on the road. Most likely they’ll be four or five in the AP poll.
Cats sweep Canisius | UK Athletics- After getting swept in Lubbock, the Cats got back on track as they finished up going 3-0 over Canisius this weekend.
UK Hoops season finale at Georgia | UK Athletics- While the men have one more week to go, the women wrap up the regular season today on the road as they take on the Bulldogs at 1:00 PM.
Sorry for the abbreviated Quickies today but I have a lot on my plate this snowy Sunday. Fill up the comments section with more links!