A Sea Of Blue - Kentucky beats Tennessee State Tigers: Everything to knowOnline Home of the Big Blue Nation: Kentucky Wildcats Sports for the Discerning Fanhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46621/aseaof-fav.png2018-11-26T14:44:21-05:00http://www.aseaofblue.com/rss/stream/178735392018-11-26T14:44:21-05:002018-11-26T14:44:21-05:00Keldon Johnson earns weekly SEC honor
<figure>
<img alt="Keldon Johnson" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6o5G-rGJ5mm7xGDNINE7ulbBIPc=/0x0:6000x4000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62402041/DSC_7688_result.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jason Marcum - Sea of Blue</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A well-deserved honor after Johnson had his breakout game vs. Tennessee State. </p> <p id="BawSQg">The <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> have their first SEC award winner of the new season.</p>
<p id="FEVtLj">On Monday, the league announced that <span>Keldon Johnson</span> was the SEC Freshman of the Week. Johnson led the Wildcats in scoring at 20 points per game while also grabbing 7.0 boards per contest in wins over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/winthrop-eagles">Winthrop Eagles</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/tennessee-st-tigers">Tennessee State Tigers</a>. </p>
<aside id="ET1cbp"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Kentucky vs. Monmouth: Preview, viewing info and what to watch for","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/26/18111588/kentucky-basketball-monmouth-hawks-game-time-tv-channel-online-stream-odds"}]}'></div></aside><p id="4iJRHv">Johnson’s performance against the Tigers quietly included one of the best free-throw performances by a freshman in the John Calipari era. Johnson got 27 points on 7/15 shooting from the floor and hit 13 free throws, which tied for the second most of any Calipari-coached player at UK and the most since De’Aaron Fox made the same number against UCLA in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/a/march-madness-2018-ncaa-tournament">NCAA Tournament</a> in 2017.</p>
<p id="kG3Upq">Kentucky has won more weekly SEC honors (90) than any other school during the Calipari era, including 72 SEC Freshman of the Week honors and 18 SEC Player of the Week awards.</p>
<div id="aLSh5q"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gj2Ku7h0N0U?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="kLTOnL"><em>Go</em><a href="https://twitter.com/aseaofblue"><em> follow our Twitter page</em></a><em> to get all of the latest Kentucky Wildcats news and views. And</em><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/10/29/18040448/kentucky-wildcats-football-mizzou-miracle-shirt-clothes-uk-fans"><em> check out our latest Kentucky Football shirt</em></a><em>. </em></p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/26/18113094/uk-wildcats-keldon-johnson-earns-weekly-sec-basketball-honorJason Marcum2018-11-24T17:03:34-05:002018-11-24T17:03:34-05:00John Calipari posts message about UK’s slow start
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Tennessee State at Kentucky" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UbOMp2mNh7dDqE9T3YCPBWRh_IY=/0x143:2104x1546/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62391603/usa_today_11720409.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This team can do something special, and Cal still believes in them. </p> <p id="IppI9a">Last night was not the best game for the <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> on the court.</p>
<p id="dQUgWF"> Against a 2-3 Tennessee State squad, the Wildcats just seemed to struggle all night long, and without <span>Keldon Johnson</span> scoring a career-high 27 points, the game might have been closer. </p>
<p id="pv8NJn">Coach Cal took to twitter today before he leaves for his two day recruiting trip to relay the message that he still likes his team, and he likes them a lot. </p>
<div id="9pJlzo">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I’m gonna spend two days out on the road recruiting but before I left we had individual work and a film session. I’m encouraged. These kids understand what’s between us and doing something special. Today they really brought it. I like my team. I really like my team.</p>— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKCoachCalipari/status/1066436337723678720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="AfSys3">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We’ve got work to do and thank goodness it’s November. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBN</a>, we need your help by encouraging these players and ME! It’s not going to be easy.</p>— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKCoachCalipari/status/1066436461162053635?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="fxhdcK">Cal is right that this team is a process. You wouldn’t have thought that back in August, but maybe this team is just going through start of the season jitters as we’ve seen before. It is encouraging to hear that the players understand what they have to do to achieve something special this season, as well as them continuing to bring it in practice. </p>
<p id="x8Hgyj">Whatever you do, BBN, just stick by this team, because we have seen the damage they can do. </p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/24/18110374/uk-basketball-john-calipari-wildcats-messageIanteasley2018-11-23T22:55:04-05:002018-11-23T22:55:04-05:00Calipari & Wildcats recap TSU: “We’re not a very good team right now”
<figure>
<img alt="Calipari" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mK1TM4jgRhh8uMepV4GWqqawJ2M=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62389180/calipari_4.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Sea of Blue</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Swaggy Cal is turning into grumpy Cal, and for good reason. </p> <p id="6Y4LPo">Kentucky Basketball took care of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/tennessee-st-tigers">Tennessee State Tigers</a> with a final score of 77-62.</p>
<p id="SV9BU2"><span>Keldon Johnson</span> had the best game in his young career in the blue and the white, putting up 27 points alongside 7 assists. <span>Reid Travis</span> was the only other Wildcat with double-digit points, adding 13. He missed a double-double by one rebound, but gave Kentucky the advantage in the paint when it was needed the most.</p>
<p id="AYJqSf">Kentucky started out slow and fell behind by a score of 14-10, but battled back by halftime to take a 12 point lead into the locker room. Tennessee State played zone for a majority of the half and caused confusion for UK’s offense, head coach John Calipari said.</p>
<aside id="TKJWeN"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Social Media reactions to Kentucky’s win over Tennessee State","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/23/18109250/uk-wildcats-basketball-social-media-twitter-kentucky-tennessee-state-2018"},{"title":"Highlights, Box Score and Game MVP from Kentucky beating Tennessee State","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/23/18109419/uk-basketball-highlights-box-score-game-mvp-kentucky-vs-tennessee-state-2018"}]}'></div></aside><p id="W32Txy">Tennessee State hung around in the first half, but couldn’t keep up with the physicality of UK without committing careless fouls. </p>
<p id="X9XOcw">TSU came out of the locker room with a newfound sense of intensity, by finding open looks and giving the Kentucky defense fits when the tempo of the game picked up. Calipari and his Cats continued to make the shots in the paint, rebounded the ball at critical times and reached the charity stripe 41 times.</p>
<p id="s4YHQB"> All nine of the players that saw time in the game scored and provided looks that kept TSU out of the game. Many of the freshman came up clutch tonight and played a critical role in the Cats’ record improving to 5-1.</p>
<p id="Y0Ka18">But after the game, Calipari was less than thrilled about his team’s so-so outing, which has become far too common this season.</p>
<p id="HWCbs7">“The reality of it is, we’re a ways away. We’re not a very good team right now. We have no confidence defensively, which bleeds into your offense. Then you have no confidence offensively… I wish we were further along defensively. But we’re not.”</p>
<p id="nV82Sc">Here is a recap of everything Calipari and select players had to say, courtesy of UK Athletics:</p>
<h2 id="La14rN">John Calipari</h2>
<p id="HmuKlH"></p>
<p id="YpEGDw">Q. What was working offensively for Keldon (Johnson) tonight?</p>
<p id="oRdYS6">JOHN CALIPARI: He was seeing gaps and he was seeing opportunities to go at the basket and was strong at the rim and did a pretty good job.</p>
<p id="ZYp4KR">Q. How surprised were you they (Tennessee State) didn’t take more threes and what do you think about the idea that they were even with you in the paint?</p>
<p id="7vVAvf">JOHN CALIPARI: Well they probably watched the tapes and said, ‘You know what, we don’t have to take threes. Let’s just drive the ball,’ which I thought they would do. My thing was they would spread the court, use clock and then try to beat somebody on the bounce. I thought they had a pretty good game plan in what they were doing. And then they were physical. You know how many one footers we missed again? I mean literally one foot. Well, ‘He bumped me,’ or – we got to make those or go up and dunk the ball. Look, folks, the reality of it is we’re a ways away. We’re not a very good team right now. We have no confidence defensively, which bleeds into your offense. Then have you no confidence offensively. You get beat three or four times, don’t think you’re going to be pounding your chest saying I’m great on offense. And then they become, you know, we wanted to -- and I’m going to just keep working on it, where we could open up the court and get some drives and do some stuff, and I’m going to continue to work on it. We -- they trapped the post a little bit. There were opportunities in the zone offense for to us post the ball and we just don’t have that feel yet. One time they switched out, both men took Tyler (Herro) going out and Reid (Travis) had no one on him, and we didn’t throw him the ball because he wasn’t supposed to catch the pass. ‘I know, but they put two guys out –’ You got to throw it in. Those are the kind of things that we’ll watch on tape and just say ‘Look, we got to get better.’ I told them I’m just going to keep coaching them. And we have been good against press, and then like just put on the board, this is our press attack, so why didn’t you do this and why didn’t you do that? Why did you catch it on the wing and hold it above your head? Why didn’t you play our press attack which is all about spacing. And you have freshmen out there. You have young guys out there and they start getting pressed. I mean, again, you get the game in the 20s, 24, well, how about it goes to 40. We turn around and it’s back to 12. This has happened every game. And they (Tennessee State) even missed some threes they could have made in the second half.</p>
<p id="vl8N35">Q. When you have a team that you said has no defensive confidence, what do you do to get that back? I mean when offense is off, you make shots you get your confidence. What do you do on defense to get your confidence?</p>
<p id="6K5ebf">JOHN CALIPARI: Well, first of all we got to continue to work on straight-line drives. You just can’t, we got beat, it’s like we got tired. And they just beat us on the dribble. So we’re going to just continue to work on it, how we have to play, we have to be anticipate more, see what’s happening before it happens, not after it happens, which is where we are right now. And then we got to start helping the helper more so we can trust each other and we can be more confident on defense. We’re still – there are times we’re not blocking out. A man goes to help and we don’t help him on a check out. It’s all stuff that we just got to cure it, we got to keep doing it in practice, we got to keep talking about it. And if have you a couple guys playing with confidence and then you have others not, I’m talking, it’s hard to get that all together. We -- I told them -- until we become a defensive team that people know, not only can we rebound, but we can make you take a tough shot until we become that team. All this other stuff offensively, doesn’t really matter until we become that. And again, today their game plan was hold it, hold it, 11 seconds, 10, we’re going to take something and see if we can make a basket. And we were good and then all of a sudden we missed seven out of eight free throws, like almost air balls. What? Where are we on this? But like I said, this is where we are right now. I wish we were further along defensively, but we’re not. And Jerry (Tipton), you asked about post. They played zone and again we haven’t played against zone that much and I couldn’t get our guys to post the ball. Like there was one where Keldon (Johnson), out of the timeout we’re throwing it to you and you’re posting it. And he moved up and I had to yell to him to move down where he could catch it and post it. It’s that we’re just, that feel for they’re trying to keep it out of the post. That’s why they’re going zone, so post it.</p>
<p id="9dXtaO">Q. It seems obvious that Nick (Richards) is struggling. What do you think’s going on there? What can turn it around?</p>
<p id="6mUvsB">JOHN CALIPARI: Demonstrated performance. You got to go in the game and perform. And what I’ve been telling these guys, they got to play like they have nothing to lose like every team we play. They got to take it off themselves. And they got to, this is how coach is asking me to play, then you don’t have to worry about the clutter of how you’re playing. I’m playing the way he wants me to play. Take it off you. Play like you have nothing to lose and go play. But I’m telling you, if you’re getting broken down on defense, I’ve done this again 35 years, guys, you’re not going to have confidence offensively. Do you remember I’ve said that a few times here? You cannot have confidence offensively if you cannot guard. You just -- you don’t. So until we build that and become that team, we become the aggressor, we become the team that anticipates and rotates and trusts and all that and it just takes time. We’ve got a bunch of freshmen still. We got a new team thrown together.</p>
<p id="QySS6j">Q. Between the last time you took a team to the Bahamas four years ago and that trip seemed to give you a head start --</p>
<p id="sCARHd">JOHN CALIPARI: When we had the No. 1 pick in the draft and we had four lottery picks and we had pretty good players and six guys got drafted from that team. It was a pretty good team.</p>
<p id="A4lYWh">Q. Question comparing the players on the 2014-15 team to this team …</p>
<p id="Obmgf0">JOHN CALIPARI: I don’t think so at this point. I would say no. Now, by the end you watch what happened with Shai (Gilgeous-Alexander) and (Kevin) Knox and Hami (Diallo) and the guys by the end. But where we were at the beginning of last year, I would say the same with that group. But I don’t, you know, could we have four lottery picks on this team? Yeah, if they want to be that. But it’s going to start with we’re all going to commit to defending. We’re all going to commit to doing this and rotating and listening and executing on defense. Then the offense will come. I mean offense hasn’t been the issue.</p>
<p id="JMPjCT">Q. Can you talk about Immanuel (Quickley) and what you see that he’s getting better at and what he’s still struggling the most with?</p>
<p id="2KD1mU">JOHN CALIPARI: You know, we’re trying to open up the court for him and Ashton (Hagans) a little bit of times to get them in that lane. But again, we just, we’re just trying to keep messing around with what we’re doing there. But I thought defensively he’s doing some good stuff. Much better job of playing in front of people, much better job of getting it up the court. Now, he still, we never outlet the ball to him up the court. He’s like under the basket. When we rebound he’s like, when you’re in high school just, ‘Here, give it to me.’ We need him up the court. And I just, we keep talking about it and showing him. So he’ll get there, but you get out to that sideline so we rebound, throw it to you, you can throw it ahead. He’s still not doing that yet. But there’s a lot of good stuff. I have a lot of confidence in him shooting the ball, I like his runners, makes free throws. So he’s going better.</p>
<p id="JuZPR7">Q. Do most freshmen arrive here with no clue on how to really play defense at this level?</p>
<p id="yaauoI">JOHN CALIPARI: Most of them, yes. Yeah, they don’t know how to stay, really stop drives and stay in front and help the helper, forget about that. Like if someone helps and you got to help him, your big goes to help on a block and you have to take his man, block him out, that stuff, no, it takes time. I wish we were farther along, but you know...</p>
<p id="XTE5uz">Q. P.J. (Washington) said a lot of the guys have acknowledged that a lot of what you’re talking about there defensively goes back to talking or not talking. And PJ said, in high school most, the most people talk is trash and that’s about the only talking they do. Is that what you’re seeing or not hearing as well?</p>
<p id="cC5wMJ">JOHN CALIPARI: Yeah, and that’s trust. See, when you’re worried about you and you’re not real confident defensively, you don’t talk because you’re just worried about who you are and how you’re playing. When you’re a confident defender you’re chattering all the time, you chatter, you talk, “help me out,” that’s where we got to get to. And they got to commit to it. I mean, I can’t do it for them, the staff can’t do it for them. Please, if anybody, don’t -- the offense is not an issue. We’re fine. But we’re not going to play confident offensively unless we become that defensive team. And I mean every game you’re not going to shut people out. It means -- you all can watch and say, we need to be better defensively. Whether it be in pick and roll defense, we were having to trap and do stuff to keep them out of the lane.</p>
<p id="wdz1zC"></p>
<p id="Y7q7ha"> </p>
<h2 id="ULUq8s">Keldon Johnson</h2>
<p id="EvIcpa">On his career night …</p>
<p id="LToNvm">”It felt pretty good. The main thing is we got the win. That made it even better.”</p>
<p id="Mv9AR5"> </p>
<p id="LGQWID">On what part of his game got him going …</p>
<p id="ecn2nR">”Honestly, getting to the free throw line. That really got me going. Just staying aggressive, and it paid off.”</p>
<p id="XzRTwW"> </p>
<p id="x9TJDx">On Coach Calipari getting on the team’s defensive play …</p>
<p id="luk9vU">”I mean he was pretty annoyed, as he should be. It’s unacceptable. If we want to be a team like we want to be, we can’t be having defensive lapses like that.”</p>
<p id="3hJEGe"> </p>
<p id="yW8rYl">On being a vocal leader on the defensive end …</p>
<p id="2iRYgk">”The main thing is just holding ourselves accountable on the defensive end, whether it’s the offensive end or defense, it’s holding ourselves accountable. Just letting us know it’s not ok to get beat and give up easy buckets.”</p>
<p id="UVUI4r"> </p>
<p id="WBbZn4">On getting to the rim …</p>
<p id="J9cVsS">”I was just staying aggressive, just kept attacking and eventually it just opened up. They opened up by the end of the game, and I was getting easy buckets.”</p>
<p id="Jx5x7t"> </p>
<p id="fX6zN2"> </p>
<h2 id="VUQe6h">Reid Travis</h2>
<p id="ZFHKUh">On the defensive play…</p>
<p id="4XAJzO">”We’re all disappointed as far as keeping guys in front of us, moving our feet, blocking shots. There’s just a lot of opportunities were seeing on film and a lot of things that we want to do the right thing and putting in a lot of effort to do the right thing, then we get in a game and a lot of the work were putting in just isn’t showing as much as it should right now and that’s the frustrating part. We’re putting in the hours and we’re doing it in practice, then we get to the game and there’s lapses so it’s frustrating but it’s not something we can’t work through. It’s going to be nice to have another game on film to really look at where we are messing up and going in and trying to get better.”</p>
<p id="iOJT0i"> </p>
<p id="yjhWuh">On adjusting to the play …</p>
<p id="0OvDUJ">”The expectation is raised. In high school, maybe you can trade baskets and maybe you had more talent than the other guy so you end up outscoring them by the end of the game, but in college you can’t trade baskets. If the team’s defending you, then they’re stopping you from scoring and then you’re just letting them score at the other end. That’s when games become toss-ups and games are closer than they should when you play certain teams. For us, it’s not expected to out-talent and outscore teams but just really defending teams.”</p>
<p id="YcRSKz"> </p>
<p id="NKErFk">On Tennessee State’s three-point shooting…</p>
<p id="SrA0KI">”It was something we were expecting – for them to throw up a lot of threes – but at the end of the day that was something that was a point of emphasis for us. All we can practice was taking away the three and forcing them to drive so now I think the next step in the progression of our defense is if we’re going to take away the three, you can close out, make them put it on the floor, but also move our feet and stay in front and contest shots at the rim. We made improvements, but we can’t take a step back in other parts of our defense “</p>
<p id="nN6MTH"> </p>
<p id="KxnYCE"> </p>
<h2 id="B3aIP0"> <span>EJ Montgomery</span>
</h2>
<p id="rzZO85">On how comfortable he is being the shot blocker for this team …</p>
<p id="eiO0BY">”I’m getting pretty comfortable, that’s what Cal wants me to do and I’ve been working on it everyday in practice.”</p>
<p id="Nzq6Q0"> </p>
<p id="hJuAY9">On how frustrated Coach Calipari is with the defense …</p>
<p id="oFD2Qv">”Yeah, I think he’s pretty frustrated. We work on it everyday in practice and sometimes we come out flat. However, we’re going to keep working and get better.”</p>
<p id="tiW9W1"> </p>
<p id="5xp6aY">On Keldon Johnson’s career night …</p>
<p id="EG88nh">”I see that everyday out of Keldon, I knew that his day was coming. He’s a dog, that’s what he does—scores the basketball.”</p>
<p id="YXCqkB"> </p>
<p id="LmuR0p">On giving back to the community on Thanksgiving …</p>
<p id="rm1c5g">”It was a great experience going out there with the team and giving back to the less fortunate. It was a great experience for us and we had a lot of fun.”</p>
<p id="2bl3VR"></p>
<p id="2PmJMu"></p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/23/18109477/ncaa-basketball-john-calipari-ky-wildcats-tsu-not-good-team-reid-travis-2018Ty Buck2018-11-23T22:09:28-05:002018-11-23T22:09:28-05:00Social Media reactions to Kentucky’s win over Tennessee State
<figure>
<img alt="Tennessee State v Kentucky" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PDenwgsIZHo5cTAuwGf0iX1mvXQ=/1521x101:3434x1376/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62389033/1064640280.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Make it five straight for the Cats, but still plenty of room for improvements. </p> <p id="kUBKLm">It wasn’t pretty early on but Kentucky pulled away from Tennessee State and improved to 5-1 on the season thanks to a 77-62 victory. </p>
<div id="L7HDwb">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Final score from <a href="https://twitter.com/Rupp_Arena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Rupp_Arena</a> -<br>Kentucky 77, Tennessee State 62 <a href="https://t.co/qW7yHahAcN">pic.twitter.com/qW7yHahAcN</a></p>— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KentuckyMBB/status/1066150143693602819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="pfvra3"><span>Keldon Johnson</span> led the way with 27 points, 13 of which came from the free throw line.</p>
<p id="wAB1CC">It was also a big night for <span>Reid Travis</span> who had 13 points and nine rebounds off the bench for Kentucky.</p>
<p id="QN6wNM">Despite looking woeful in nearly all phases in the first half, Kentucky did show improvement on the defensive side of the ball which was vital in earning the win. </p>
<p id="1coBc2">Kentucky has now won five in a row with all their wins coming at Rupp Arena where the Cats are 5-0 this season.</p>
<p id="79zkSb">Here’s a look at the best social media reactions to the Kentucky victory.</p>
<div id="jNJClm">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Upper deck of student section. Never too early to study for final exams? <a href="https://t.co/oqvZgwS6F3">pic.twitter.com/oqvZgwS6F3</a></p>— Jerry Tipton (@JerryTipton) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryTipton/status/1066117401551544323?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="SoD4By">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kentucky starts games like it's a Tuesday morning after a holiday weekend. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WakeUp?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WakeUp</a></p>— Big Blue Drew (@BigBlueDrew33) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigBlueDrew33/status/1066121767897436160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="OvPDsF">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">MEDIA TO (15:09): Tennessee State, which is 0-3 against Division I teams this year, leads UK 9-5.</p>— Jon Hale (@JonHale_CJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHale_CJ/status/1066121501735337984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="IrWJwc">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"Can I copy your homework?"<br><br>"Sure just don't make it look obvious." <a href="https://t.co/XMBq3ygTHE">pic.twitter.com/XMBq3ygTHE</a></p>— KY Clips (@KY_Clips) <a href="https://twitter.com/KY_Clips/status/1066121749987819520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="YbZWHo">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kentucky’s defense... <a href="https://t.co/83inrjAPUg">pic.twitter.com/83inrjAPUg</a></p>— Not Jerry Tipton (@NotJerryTipton) <a href="https://twitter.com/NotJerryTipton/status/1066142440107765760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="9O9H6U">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Too much turkey? Tennessee State 12, Kentucky 8 with 11:51 left in 1H.</p>— John Clay (@johnclayiv) <a href="https://twitter.com/johnclayiv/status/1066123512149094400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="X4HlNi">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Reid Travis is getting poked and prodded like it is his annual physical in the lane.</p>— Warren Taylor (@WarrenETaylor) <a href="https://twitter.com/WarrenETaylor/status/1066124257866981376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="2u8qP9">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It's not showing up on the scoreboard but actually think Hagans has done a pretty nice job of putting the ball on the floor and moving the ball to the right guy.</p>— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) <a href="https://twitter.com/RowlandRIVALS/status/1066124723099222016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="Mygbfk">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cats playing like they’re waiting to hear who won the Mickleson-Tiger match.</p>— Gary Moyers_The Cats' Pause (@gmoyers) <a href="https://twitter.com/gmoyers/status/1066125227330060288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="gL6yUB">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Keldon Johnson is shooting well...like I do, if that tells you anything haha.</p>— Warren Taylor (@WarrenETaylor) <a href="https://twitter.com/WarrenETaylor/status/1066125884745224193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="dMELte">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">If you're watching at home you have as many assists as the entire Kentucky basketball team. Congrats.</p>— Big Blue Drew (@BigBlueDrew33) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigBlueDrew33/status/1066126980817534976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="fTVrsG">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Who would of that guys with the names Bubba and Egbuta would be killing Kentucky this season...</p>— Aaron Gershon (@agershon99) <a href="https://twitter.com/agershon99/status/1066127708155990016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="b7WgHa">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tennessee State this week. <a href="https://t.co/c4dEdzrXMx">pic.twitter.com/c4dEdzrXMx</a></p>— Name can be blank (@BernieSadori) <a href="https://twitter.com/BernieSadori/status/1066127774161797121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="n7Gny1">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Did not expect rebounding to be 16-16 late in first half. Cats just off in most facets so far</p>— Vaughts' Views (@vaughtsviews) <a href="https://twitter.com/vaughtsviews/status/1066129368391536640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="s5wVhF">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Keldon Johnson misses a dunk off a drive. Pretty much sums up the night so far.</p>— John Clay (@johnclayiv) <a href="https://twitter.com/johnclayiv/status/1066130203959791622?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="zL7PPO">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">gotta play Nick some so he doesn't transfer and you have at least 1 big next season</p>— Curtis Burch (@curtisburch) <a href="https://twitter.com/curtisburch/status/1066131228057903104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="9W0SaT">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">What UK has done pretty well is swing the ball around the perimeter and then attack. When they have been doing that more the last couple of minutes is when the separation has come.</p>— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) <a href="https://twitter.com/RowlandRIVALS/status/1066131984664182784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="Veh5qe">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It really is amazing that there is a UK game going on and <a href="https://twitter.com/KSBarAndGrille?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KSBarAndGrille</a> is filled and everyone is focused solely on Tiger vs Phil</p>— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) <a href="https://twitter.com/KySportsRadio/status/1066132210254839808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="8gkhQE">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">UK leads 35-27 at half. TSU's Kamar McKnight set halftime score with a 3 over Tyler Herro at the buzzer. Surprisingly it was only TSU's fifth three-point shot of the half.</p>— Jerry Tipton (@JerryTipton) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryTipton/status/1066132236716687360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="uvZV5C">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">And one, <a href="https://twitter.com/2ReidTravis2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@2ReidTravis2</a>!!! <a href="https://t.co/mcR9rbxodL">pic.twitter.com/mcR9rbxodL</a></p>— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KentuckyMBB/status/1066136648881225731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="YGBSe2">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Reid Travis is Mr. Consistent</p>— Keith Taylor (@keithtaylor21) <a href="https://twitter.com/keithtaylor21/status/1066136736370253824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="akstno">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Keldon Johnson living at the line tonight. Now 9 of 10 free throws. Kentucky is 21 of 25 and this is apparently a great free-throw shooting team. Cats lead by a dozen.</p>— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) <a href="https://twitter.com/KyleTucker_ATH/status/1066138019663699970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="Q3TQPA">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tyler Herro has gotten really good at getting hands in the passing lanes</p>— Round Daddy (@JStreble82) <a href="https://twitter.com/JStreble82/status/1066138170516037632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="GYhY5f">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tyler Herro is Mr. Steals all of a sudden. Had five the other night, two in quick succession tonight. Immanuel Quickley hits the Cats' second 3-pointer of the night and UK leads 47-32 with free throws coming, 15:36 2H.</p>— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) <a href="https://twitter.com/KyleTucker_ATH/status/1066138472287739904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="6VONI2">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I thought Duke was heads above everyone else before the season started. Then I watched Gonzaga Wisconsin, UVA, Kansas, Michigan and now Texas/Mich st. Duke, UK and Nova have the most room for improvement. It’s early but all these teams can get there.</p>— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealPitino/status/1066137281235427330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="8lb3hd">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kentucky's defense is so much better tonight</p>— Round Daddy (@JStreble82) <a href="https://twitter.com/JStreble82/status/1066139304202784768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="BQPVQ3">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Your whole world changes when shots go in. <a href="https://twitter.com/KentuckyMBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KentuckyMBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/UKSportsNetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UKSportsNetwork</a></p>— Rex Chapman (@rex_rexchapman) <a href="https://twitter.com/rex_rexchapman/status/1066125407857123330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="ovpeRU">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr"> <a href="https://t.co/3hP898plaP">pic.twitter.com/3hP898plaP</a></p>— Big Blue Drew (@BigBlueDrew33) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigBlueDrew33/status/1066143035048763393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="yhnepN">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">You could argue this lineup is UK's best: Quickley, Herro, Johnson, Travis and Montgomery (with PJ interchangeable for Travis).</p>— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) <a href="https://twitter.com/KyleTucker_ATH/status/1066143786739408897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="pMg7ZY">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Keldon Johnson is Elite at getting to the rim...if his shot gets consistent, he is unguardable</p>— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) <a href="https://twitter.com/KySportsRadio/status/1066144402589081601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="EK3FC7">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Quade Green </p>— TheCatsPause247 (@TheCatsPause247) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheCatsPause247/status/1066145603229491200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="pWiDSY">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"They've been tougher defensively than anybody since the Duke game."<a href="https://twitter.com/MikePratt22?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MikePratt22</a> has been impressed with TSU's effort and aggressiveness defensively. Kentucky has handled it and leads 70-54.</p>— UK Sports Network (@UKSportsNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKSportsNetwork/status/1066146189756833792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="I5K6KV">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This isn't a popular opinion but oh well, Kentucky fans need to cut this team some slack. They are not a perfect team but they are getting better game by game. Some of the takes I see on a daily basis are sullying what used to be a knowledgeable fan base.</p>— Warren Taylor (@WarrenETaylor) <a href="https://twitter.com/WarrenETaylor/status/1066146393193152512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="8rOUep">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cal is so mad right now <a href="https://t.co/7h5HEaY8K2">https://t.co/7h5HEaY8K2</a></p>— Round Daddy (@JStreble82) <a href="https://twitter.com/JStreble82/status/1066149013156741120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="Lwop3v">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">He did! They made a late announcement as fans were exiting. This crowd never gets louder than at the prospect of free Chick-fil-A for consecutive missed free throws by the opponent. <a href="https://t.co/dPOQK63ivv">https://t.co/dPOQK63ivv</a></p>— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) <a href="https://twitter.com/KyleTucker_ATH/status/1066150827071598592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="0a5i7s">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cats with a so-so 77-62 win over Tennessee State <a href="https://t.co/KWpJXyXu7k">pic.twitter.com/KWpJXyXu7k</a></p>— Vaughts' Views (@vaughtsviews) <a href="https://twitter.com/vaughtsviews/status/1066150844775702528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="Ba4mDk">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“We got good kids, we got good players, we just need a change in mindset.” Cal talking all about improving on defense after tonight’s win. <a href="https://t.co/MHEpgAoJnp">https://t.co/MHEpgAoJnp</a></p>— UK Sports Network (@UKSportsNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKSportsNetwork/status/1066163337061457920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="huA6oo"></p>
<div id="D6AgJd">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Calipari on Nick Richards' struggles, what can turn it around: "Demonstrated performance. They gotta play like they have nothing to lose. ... But I'm telling you, if you're getting broken down on defense, you're not going to have confidence offensively."</p>— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) <a href="https://twitter.com/KyleTucker_ATH/status/1066158033787633664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="xaCu1k">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Reid Travis tells UK Radio's Mike Pratt & the smallish crowd remaining here in Rupp Arena 'I'm proud of the effort I put in today. Obviously, some things could have gone better.' Says he feels like he is playing with more energy, trying to be more versatile than when at Stanford</p>— Mark Story (@markcstory) <a href="https://twitter.com/markcstory/status/1066155814854057986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="LIA0Fw"><em>Go</em><a href="https://twitter.com/aseaofblue"><em> follow our Twitter page</em></a><em> to get all of the latest </em><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/"><em>Kentucky Wildcats</em></a><em> news, views and some other stuff. And</em><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/10/29/18040448/kentucky-wildcats-football-mizzou-miracle-shirt-clothes-uk-fans"><em> check out our latest Kentucky Football shirt</em></a><em>. </em></p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/23/18109250/uk-wildcats-basketball-social-media-twitter-kentucky-tennessee-state-2018Aaron Gershon2018-11-23T21:23:25-05:002018-11-23T21:23:25-05:00Highlights, Box Score and Game MVP from Kentucky beating Tennessee State
<figure>
<img alt="North Dakota v Kentucky" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aE9he-EfFgQt3dCFAK3NABG6Urs=/0x29:3168x2141/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62388931/1061580948.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Two Cats stood above the rest in this one. </p> <p id="Fe9caW">The <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> may have eaten too much turkey on Thanksgiving, as they struggled early on offense against Tennessee State. UK survived the sluggish start to win the game 77-62.</p>
<p id="KXrDiR">The Cats began the game 0-for-8 from downtown before <span>Tyler Herro</span> knocked down the team’s first three-pointer with just under 9 minutes left in the first half.</p>
<p id="fwXDaz">A 9-0 run by the Cats midway through the first half, combined with 20 free throw attempts helped UK maintain an 8-point halftime lead despite 5 turnovers and 33% shooting.</p>
<p id="7efkpe">Kentucky stepped up their defensive intensity early in the second half with 3 steals in the first five minutes and the Wildcats opened up an 18-point lead.</p>
<aside id="GbM9cX"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Kentucky beats Tennessee State: 4 things to know and postgame banter","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/23/18109335/kentucky-basketball-tennessee-state-tigers-4-things-know-postgame-banter"},{"title":"Kentucky at Louisville: Analysis, expert picks and predictions","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/23/18108579/louisville-cardinals-kentucky-football-2018-analysis-expert-picks-predictions"}]}'></div></aside><p id="MQ6f96">With about 5 minutes remaining in the game, Tennessee State put together an 8-0 spurt with the help of some aggressive full court pressure. Kentucky finally figured it out and was able to halt the run. The Wildcats finished off the Tigers and earned their fifth straight victory.</p>
<h2 id="hyzBAR">Box Score</h2>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WTsce7_jaPf5AiCVl_jDIt7do-I=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13465956/uks.jpg">
</figure>
<p id="orwqxt"></p>
<h2 id="ZsFIC9"><strong>Game MVP</strong></h2>
<p id="GnJQh5">While <span>Reid Travis</span> appeared to consistently be crashing the boards and altering shots at the rim, <span>Keldon Johnson</span> is going to take home tonight’s MVP. Johnson finished with a career-high 27 points.</p>
<p id="ctMjCJ">Johnson knifed his way through the teeth of the defense all night and seemed to constantly be in the right spot at the right time. Johnson missed both his three-point attempts, but continued to put his head down and get to the rim time after time. He was 13-of-18 at the charity stripe.</p>
<p id="Y3trIK">Even though Johnson takes home tonight’s MVP, we would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge Reid Travis’ performance as well. Travis finished with 13 points and 9 rebounds. He finished 4-of-4 from the field.</p>
<p id="ouseLP">Kentucky was far from flawless and still continues to visibly frustrate Coach Cal with their play on the defensive end of the floor. But, a win is a win and UK has now won 5 straight games.</p>
<p id="bIwEzC">Who would you have voted MVP?</p>
<h2 id="HZkYgY">Highlights</h2>
<div id="CVrjrr"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vUjmE5kLLfI?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="h1PAha"><em>Go</em><a href="https://twitter.com/aseaofblue"><em> follow our Twitter page</em></a><em> to get all of the latest Kentucky Wildcats news and views. And</em><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/10/29/18040448/kentucky-wildcats-football-mizzou-miracle-shirt-clothes-uk-fans"><em> check out our latest Kentucky Football shirt</em></a><em>. </em></p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/23/18109419/uk-basketball-highlights-box-score-game-mvp-kentucky-vs-tennessee-state-2018DrewKoch2018-11-23T21:03:21-05:002018-11-23T21:03:21-05:00Kentucky beats Tennessee State: 4 things to know and postgame banter
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XRKHNED1XBViIzwd0jI_N1hnRto=/482x426:1560x1145/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62388890/reid_travis.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jason Marcum - Sea of Blue</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Cats hold off the Tigers to pick up win No. 5 of the young season. </p> <p id="dwEnO0">The <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> beat the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/tennessee-st-tigers">Tennessee State Tigers</a> Friday night, 77-62. </p>
<p id="joddKD">The Cats are now 5-1 with a five-game win streak. The competition has been sub-par, but this team is improving.</p>
<p id="gWCn3c">UK struggled on the offensive end, but we saw a lot of improvement tonight. The defense looked a lot better and <span>Keldon Johnson</span> finally got it going.</p>
<p id="XsAxWJ">Johnson was unstoppable. He finally realized that at 6’7, he’s a match-up nightmare for opposing defenders. He is a prototypical wing and should be able to dominate every game like he did tonight. He did it all by attacking the basket, but just wait until he improves his outside shooting.</p>
<aside id="GcLVxp"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Highlights, Box Score and Game MVP from Kentucky beating Tennessee State","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/23/18109419/uk-basketball-highlights-box-score-game-mvp-kentucky-vs-tennessee-state-2018"},{"title":"Kentucky at Louisville: Analysis, expert picks and predictions","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/23/18108579/louisville-cardinals-kentucky-football-2018-analysis-expert-picks-predictions"}]}'></div></aside><p id="lqs4YT"><span>Reid Travis</span> was the go-to guy when Kentucky desperately needed it. UK couldn’t score at the beginning of the game, so Cal brought Travis in and he scored two quick buckets to get the offense going.</p>
<p id="IBag6h">In the second half, Travis continued to score whenever Tennessee State looked like they might go on a run. He is the glue that holds this team together.</p>
<p id="8ifV3k">All in all, there was a lot of good. The Cats still have their fair share of flaws and weaknesses, but they’re getting better. They are improving slowly but steadily.</p>
<h3 id="4bEsIJ"><strong>Another slow start</strong></h3>
<p id="L9xHri">The Cats got off to another slow start against the Tigers. 10 minutes into the first half, UK had scored 10 points. They struggled to score, whether it be against the Tigers’ zone or man-to-man. </p>
<p id="2g1XGO">By halftime, Kentucky had extended its lead to 35-27, but it was ugly. The Cats were 9-27 (33.3%) from the field in the first half, including 1-10 from three-point land. </p>
<p id="xql2AC">So far this season, it’s been due to poor defense. Today, that wasn’t the case. The defense was better, but the offense couldn’t buy a bucket.</p>
<p id="3NCcYa">UK has got to come out ready to play on both ends of the floor from the jump. These kinds of starts aren’t going to cut it against good teams.</p>
<h3 id="OnOKAn"><strong>The defense was much better</strong></h3>
<p id="rVDxNt">It’s about time.</p>
<p id="iaBuvk">The defense wasn’t perfect, but it was a lot better than it was the first five games of the season. But then again, it couldn’t have gotten much worse.</p>
<p id="O9hxVv">One big reason for the improved defense was Tennessee State didn’t shoot many threes. Teams have been feasting at the three-point line against the Cats this year, but this team exploited a different weakness: points in the paint.</p>
<p id="xhMaPA">To be fair, the Tigers play three or four guards and they take what the defense gives them. They’ve been very perimeter-oriented this season and UK seemed determined to improve the three-point defense. While Kentucky’s defense kept them off the three-point line, though, the Tigers got whatever they wanted in the paint all night. </p>
<p id="7A75Rv">That’s a new concern, however, because Tennessee State is small. They took UK defenders off the dribble to the basket almost the entire game. If it isn’t one thing, it’s another.</p>
<p id="DEe9zr">But the defense was better. While the Cats struggled to keep their men in front of them, they did do a much better job defending the three. It’s a step forward and that’s all that matters.</p>
<p id="o07nfP">This team is full of good, individual defenders. They just need to put it all together as a unit. Be patient. It’ll come.</p>
<h3 id="gLjJCw">
<span><strong>EJ Montgomery</strong></span><strong> is good</strong>
</h3>
<p id="taFLmT">I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: EJ Montgomery has the most potential of any player on this team. </p>
<p id="4C3Oap">What he does on the court goes beyond just the box score. His numbers, at the moment, aren’t going to blow anyone away. He isn’t putting up gaudy stat lines, yet. But he’s a problem.</p>
<p id="1DmMvn">Montgomery is long and athletic. He rebounds extremely well and has a super smooth touch. He can knock down free throws, as well as hit mid-range jumpers. He has all the intangibles NBA teams want out of a stretch-four.</p>
<p id="qmRSs6">But it isn’t just offense. He’s the rim protector Calipari has been missing for years. He blocks a lot of shots, but when he doesn’t he still affects them. That’s why his talent goes beyond the box score. And that’s why he has so much potential.</p>
<p id="rXATSr">I can’t help but plead that EJ gets more minutes. He’s light-years ahead of Nick Richards. The two play similarly, but Montgomery brings so much more and does it so much better.</p>
<p id="zkM2YF">If Reid Travis is going to come off the bench, then EJ should be getting the start rather than Richards.</p>
<h3 id="s0Dyv0"><strong>This is the best free throw shooting team Calipari has had at Kentucky</strong></h3>
<p id="MGyWjM">I can’t speak for all of Big Blue Nation, but one thing that has absolutely irked me and a lot of other people since Calipari has been at Kentucky is free throw shooting. Year in and year out it’s the same thing, which has been pretty bad. </p>
<p id="KP9USU">Not this year.</p>
<p id="aEy7Zk">This is the best free throw shooting team Calipari has had since he’s been at Kentucky. The two worst free throw shooters are Travis and Washington, but even those two have improved tremendously.</p>
<p id="3Of734">The Cats have a handful of players that they can feel comfortable putting on the free throw line in crunch time. <span>Tyler Herro</span>, <span>Immanuel Quickley</span>, and EJ Montgomery are all knockdown free throw shooters, just to mention a few.</p>
<p id="W4UB1D">I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Go Cats!</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/23/18109335/kentucky-basketball-tennessee-state-tigers-4-things-know-postgame-banterNick Wheatley2018-11-23T17:11:51-05:002018-11-23T17:11:51-05:00Kentucky vs. Tennessee State Game Thread
<figure>
<img alt="PJ Washington" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XWSYLtOh5g7ySNDATndhlcI74KE=/535x0:2260x1150/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62388295/DSC_7277.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jason Marcum - Sea of Blue</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Wildcats host the Tigers for a post-Thanksgiving matchup. </p> <p id="OedG40">The <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> are back in action tonight after beating Winthrop just two days ago. They take on <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/tennessee-st-tigers">Tennessee State Tigers</a> at 7:00 pm EST in Rupp Arena. </p>
<p id="apWMmK">It’s been a great start to the season in terms of offense, but the defense is still lacking. Look for Calipari to tighten up the D as they try to get into midseason form. </p>
<p id="Qzi1rZ">In three weeks Kentucky will start a stretch in which they play Utah, UNC, and Louisville all back-back-back. In order for the team to be ready for that, they need to step up their play against teams like Tennessee State. </p>
<p id="na99HF">After the shaky start to the season, P.J. Washington is really coming along, showing all of BBN just how much he’s improved from last season. If he can continue this level of play, it will take the Cats a long way. </p>
<p id="F4trHt">As usual, the game will be on the SEC Network. You can watch it online using<a href="http://www.espn.com/watch/_/id/3421244/transylvania-vs-kentucky"> WatchESPN</a>, the<a href="http://www.espn.com/watchespn/apps"> WatchESPN app</a> and<a href="https://fave.co/2yN4Yrs" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"> fuboTV</a>. You can listen to an online radio stream via<a href="https://ukathletics.com/signingday/general/general/3/"> UK Athletics</a>. </p>
<h2 id="MGoxOM"><strong>Pregame reading</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li id="CudpEz"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/23/18108823/wildcats-football-uk-basketball-louisville-cardinals-john-calipari-recruiting">Musings: Redemption against UofL, UK recruiting, and stick with the Cats</a></li>
<li id="tcNwbb"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/23/18108579/louisville-cardinals-kentucky-football-2018-analysis-expert-picks-predictions">Kentucky at Louisville: Analysis, expert picks and predictions</a></li>
<li id="SxI2RG"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/22/18107267/kentucky-wildcats-basketball-tennessee-state-time-tv-channel-online-stream">Kentucky vs. Tennessee State: Game time, TV channel, online stream, odds, predictions</a></li>
<li id="kvC623"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/23/18108533/friday-quickies-kentucky-vs-tennessee-st-gameday-edition">Friday Quickies: Kentucky vs Tennessee St. Gameday Edition</a></li>
<li id="UhbOh4"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/23/18105054/kentucky-signee-dontaie-allen-voted-as-top-kentucky-high-school-basketball-player">Kentucky signee Dontaie Allen voted as top Kentucky high school basketball player</a></li>
<li id="NX31Qe"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/22/18108072/hamidou-diallo-avoids-major-injury-despite-scary-fall">Hamidou Diallo avoids major injury despite scary fall</a></li>
<li id="6mjX1H"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/22/18107058/uk-wildcats-basketball-thoughts-kentucky-win-winthrop">4 more thoughts and postgame notes from Kentucky’s win over Winthrop</a></li>
<li id="dRxKVr"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/21/18102961/uk-recruiting-vernon-carey-jr-duke-basketball-unc-tar-heels-msu-spartans">Vernon Carey Jr. sets final 3 and Kentucky misses cut</a></li>
<li id="FsHndQ"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/21/18106987/uk-basketball-wildcats-social-media-twitter-reactions-win-winthrop">Social media reactions to UK’s win over Winthrop</a></li>
<li id="1DRqQ9"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/21/18106867/college-basketball-john-calipari-uk-wildcats-recap-win-over-winthrop">John Calipari and Wildcats recap win over Winthrop</a></li>
<li id="DHm6Fh"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/21/18107163/uk-basketball-recruiting-kentucky-target-jeremy-roach-tears-acl">Kentucky target Jeremy Roach tears ACL</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/23/18109051/how-to-stream-uk-basketball-tennessee-state-2018-live-blog-game-updatesTJ Barnett2018-11-23T11:21:14-05:002018-11-23T11:21:14-05:00Kentucky vs. Tennessee State: Game time, TV channel, online stream, odds, predictions
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dYRQ-q0ZdSfBeyTdxlrIO1oViUw=/0x0:1200x800/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62382692/QUADE_GREEN_MBB2018_01_CW__1_.1542868007.jpg" />
<figcaption>Chet White/UK Athletics</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>What you need to know about the Kentucky Wildcats’ matchup with the Tennessee State Tigers. </p> <h2 id="ASU2kc">Tennessee State Tigers (2-3) at Kentucky Wildcats (4-1)</h2>
<ul>
<li id="ThHlIg">
<strong>Game time</strong>: 7:00 pm EST on Nov. 23 in Rupp Arena</li>
<li id="Aqfwo0">
<strong>TV Channel</strong>: SEC Network</li>
<li id="bMiUov">Announcers: Courtney Lyle and Pat Bradley will be on the call. </li>
<li id="EGnFjz">
<strong>Radio</strong>: Tom Leach and Mike Pratt will have the UK radio network call on 630 AM and 98.1 FM in Lexington. You can listen to an online radio stream via<a href="https://ukathletics.com/signingday/general/general/3/"><strong> UK Athletics</strong></a>.</li>
<li id="ynLJxd">
<strong>Satellite Radio</strong>: Sirius 98 | XM 190 | Internet 961</li>
<li id="iUwxnB">
<strong>Online Stream</strong>: You can watch it online using<a href="http://www.espn.com/watch/_/id/3421244/transylvania-vs-kentucky"><strong> Watch ESPN</strong></a>, the<a href="http://www.espn.com/watchespn/apps"><strong> Watch ESPN app</strong></a> and<a href="https://fave.co/2yN4Yrs" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong> fuboTV</strong></a>. You can listen to an online radio stream via<a href="https://ukathletics.com/signingday/general/general/3/"><strong> UK Athletics</strong></a>.</li>
<li id="gywLrr">
<strong>Replay</strong>: <a href="http://www.espn.com/watch/"><strong>WatchESPN</strong></a> and SEC Network (check local listings)</li>
<li id="01fih2">
<strong>Odds</strong>: Kentucky is a 28.5-point favorite. KenPom projected the Wildcats to be a 26.5-point favorite.</li>
<li id="mWRSMW">
<strong>Predictions</strong>: ESPN’s matchup predictor gives Kentucky a 95.8% chance to win. KenPom gives the Wildcats a 99% chance of winning and projects an 88-62 win for the home team. numberFire is going with a 79-62 Kentucky win. TeamRankings has the Wildcats winning 90-62. </li>
<li id="ZQoAQk">
<strong>Rosters</strong>: <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/8/6/17655656/kentucky-wildcats-basketball-2018-19-roster-set">Kentucky</a> | <a href="http://www.tsutigers.com/mbasketball/roster/2011-12/">Tennessee State</a> </li>
<li id="NcWGGO"><a href="https://ukathletics.com/sidearmstats/mbball/summary">Live Stats</a></li>
<li id="KdVUDM"><a href="https://static.ukathletics.com/custompages/gamenotes/MBB1819/TSU/index.html">Digital Gameday Guide</a></li>
</ul>
<aside id="IwJhF8"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Kentucky vs. Louisville: Preview, viewing info and more","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/22/18103880/kentucky-football-louisville-cardinals-game-time-tv-online-stream-odds-replay"}]}'></div></aside><p id="JNNuXw"></p>
<p id="GTJUDC">Here’s a look back at Kentucky’s win over Winthrop on Wednesday:</p>
<div id="JffYUC"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BYVTnUnAL7s?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="YApGQ0">
<p id="mUwRry">The <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> are back in action Friday night, as the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/tennessee-st-tigers">Tennessee State Tigers</a> come to Rupp Arena. </p>
<h2 id="R1RgEC"><strong>Kentucky is getting on track </strong></h2>
<p id="CV1jV7">There wasn’t much of a before Thanksgiving lull for Kentucky, as the Cats put up what was probably their best performance of the season on Wednesday afternoon, beating Winthrop by a score of 87-74. The offense showed signs of really coming around and transitioning into something special, while the defense is still struggling to guard the perimeter. But overall, it was a solid performance with noticeable improvement on both sides of the ball. </p>
<p id="heqgVn">Kentucky is now 4=four games removed from the Champions Classic embarrassment, and for the most part, this young team has responded well to the extreme adversity that was handed out courtesy of the <a href="https://www.dukebasketballreport.com/">Duke Blue Devils</a> in the season opener. </p>
<p id="txcZJy">The next challenge for UK will be Tennessee State, a matchup that will be Kentucky’s third game in only six days. The Cats have been genuinely challenged by some of these mid-major programs, and they will continually be tested all season long. </p>
<p id="iIrewp">John Calipari is still clearly in the experimental phase with this team and is continuing to try different things, including moving <span>Nick Richards</span> into the starting lineup against Winthrop. It is very possible that you will see a different starting lineup on Friday night than you did for Wednesday’s game<strong>.</strong> </p>
<p id="QJejHf">Aside from P.J Washington and <span>Reid Travis</span>, there has not been a player to show much consistency from game to game. This is a major reason why Kentucky has yet to really lay the hammer on a team and blow them out by a wide margin. I anticipate Friday night that UK will put it all together and destroy an inferior Tennessee State squad. </p>
<h1 id="tI7VYd"><strong>Will Kentucky guard Tennessee State?</strong></h1>
<p id="VCG4Fd">The Tigers are 2-3 on the season, with their only two wins coming against Carver Bible College and Fisk University. I’m no expert, but those two teams likely will not possess the same caliber athletes that the Tigers will see in Rupp Arena on Friday night. But the good news for Tennessee State is that they are averaging over 11 made threes per game, including 19 makes in the win against Fisk University. </p>
<p id="zfwO7K">As fans know, the Cats have struggled tremendously to guard the three this season, the last two games in particular. Over the last 80 minutes of game play Kentucky has given up 32 three-point field goals. That kind of defense isn’t going to cut it once conference play rolls around, and especially in the post-season. </p>
<p id="SspcYW">There were signs of life against Winthrop and you could tell that the UK players are putting forth effort to improve perimeter defense. But this team is a long way away from where it needs to be and guarding the three-point shot will continue to be a major point of emphasis for Calipari and the coaching staff. The Tigers, like VMI, have hit 19 threes in a game this season so there needs to be sustained improvement or it could make this game a lot closer than it should be.</p>
<p id="6akMMf">For this season’s home games, the Tigers are averaging 1,027 fans. There is no doubt that the Rupp Arena crowd should help UK keep all of the momentum. </p>
<p id="L6WLDD">The team is led by <span>Donte Fitzpatrick-Dorsey</span>, who is averaging 15 points a game, followed Kamar MckNight who is getting 14 per game. </p>
<p id="FM9hOn">The Tennessee State Tigers are led by Head Coach Brian “PENNY” Collins. Yes, their head coach, according to their athletics website, goes by “Penny”. What an odd coincidence after the news of long time Kentucky recruit, James Wiseman, choosing to play for Memphis. Maybe I am reading way too much into this story line, but what are the chances? </p>
<p id="DpK1xm">Tennessee State has not had an impressive start to the season and this is a game where Kentucky should really destroy its opponent. I would consider anything other than a 25 point win to be a disappointment. </p>
<p id="1164jM">Friday’s game will be after the Thanksgiving holiday so it really is time for the Cats to put an entire 40 minutes together. After the Winthrop win, Calipari said, “This team is just not disciplined enough to play for 40 minutes.” That has to change sooner than later. </p>
<h1 id="tojbXR">
<span><strong>PJ Washington</strong></span><strong> has been a monster</strong>
</h1>
<p id="o7Wh7n">Washington became the first player since Bam Adebayo to record consecutive double-doubles after his great performances against VMI and Winthrop. That stat really surprised me, but also speaks to just how good Washington has been. In the last two games, he has scored 38 points and grabbed 29 rebounds while treating his opponents like children in the paint. This is the PJ Washington that most people expected to see as a sophomore. </p>
<p id="bQzGch">When he is playing possessed like he is it turns Kentucky into a totally different team. There have been times during his college career where Washington will disappear from game to game, so showing consistent effort is great for Kentucky moving forward. Being able to rotate Washington, Richards, Montgomery, and Travis in the lineup presents a match-up nightmare of any other team. </p>
<p id="ZO8TT4">Tennessee State has been out-rebounded by all three NCAA Division I opponents that they have played so far this season. On the flip side, Kentucky has absolutely owned the paint over the last four games with a rebounding margin of 173-78. Owning the glass should be easy for the Cats on Friday night. </p>
<h1 id="ABF8wn">
<span><strong>Tyler Herro</strong></span><strong> is finding his groove </strong>
</h1>
<p id="1BpL13">During the Winthrop game it was excellent to see Herro locate his rhythm. For stretches of the game he was the best player on the court and was playing with contagious intensity. For the game he finished with 15 points, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds. Herro was also able to knock down 3 triples, which had to be comforting for the Big Blue Nation to see. </p>
<p id="IHSkFi">A hard fall on a drive to the basket sent Herro to the locker room in the first half. But he returned and did not seem to have any lingering effects from the tumble. Getting Herro on track could be exactly what this team needs to take a step forward. UK is a totally different team when they are making outside shots. Herro possesses the ability to stretch the floor and get his own shot. But it was his terrific passing that caught Coach Calipari’s eye in the win against Winthrop. </p>
<blockquote><p id="E0Y4KA"><em>“That was surprising. I told him. I said for the worst passer I’ve ever coached in my history to have seven assists, that’s an amazing accomplishment. And he says he’s not that bad a passer. I say, well -- but he did good today. But again, making him catch and shoot, all we worked on. And believe me I was all over him. If he brought that ball down or if he dipped before he shot, I was -- no. Now he doesn’t make as many because he hadn’t ever practiced that way, he’s never ever worked that way.” Calipari Said. </em></p></blockquote>
<p id="Ow30k3">It’s easy to forget that this was just Herro’s fifth college game. He and the other freshman are still learning what it takes to be successful consistently. Stick with this team. </p>
<p id="0NDZa8">Hopefully Kentucky can thump Tennessee State and continue on the journey of getting better each game. </p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/22/18107267/kentucky-wildcats-basketball-tennessee-state-time-tv-channel-online-streamBigBlueDrew