Kentucky’s rough patch continued with a 103-92 loss to Tennessee on Saturday night. John Calipari skipped a typical obligation after the disappointing outcome.
The head coach usually conducts a post-game radio interview at Rupp Area. Many fans often stay inside the building to hear Coach Cal speak.
However, assistant coach Orlando Antigua handled the spot on Saturday. Kentucky Sports Radio’s Matt Jones called it “really lame” for Calipari to delegate the task.
John Calipari not doing Postgame Radio. Orlando Antigua doing it
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) February 4, 2024
It’s really lame not to do the Postgame Radio interview after this loss. It just is
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) February 4, 2024
Calipari apparently wasn’t in the mood to talk following Kentucky’s second straight home loss and third defeat in the last four games.
Freshman guard Rob Dillingham ignited the offense with 35 points off the bench, but it wasn’t enough to win a shootout at Lexington, Zakai Zeigler and Josiah-Jordan James each scored 26 points for Tennessee.
The Volunteers opened the game on an 8-0 run before tallying 57 second-half points.
“Our biggest mindset going into the game was making it a 40-minute fight, putting two halves together,” James said, per the Associated Press. “You can’t do that without starting strong out the gate. We really just wanted to apply pressure on both ends of the floor. I think we did a really good job coming out the gate, and then we were able to sustain it for 40 minutes.”
Kentucky’s struggles against Tennessee could have also fueled Calipari’s chagrin. CBS Sports noted the Volunteers are 7-1 against Wildcats teams ranked in the top 10 behind Rick Barnes.
Kentucky fell to 5-4 in SEC play following Saturday’s shortcoming. Calipari’s program will face Vanderbilt on Tuesday before returning home next weekend to host Gonzaga.