Sunday Headlines: On to Vanderbilt Edition

The Cats will host the Commodores in a big game at Rupp Arena

Kentucky’s late-game inconsistency reared its ugly head once again last night, as the Wildcats struggled down the stretch and the Texas Longhorns were able to come away with a win.

Without Lamont Butler and Jaxson Robinson, most thought Texas would come out on top in last night’s matchup, with the betting line reaching Texas -4.5 at one point before tip-off.

But Kentucky competed, taking a 4-point lead into halftime, and held a 5-point lead with less than 4 minutes remaining.

Last night was one of those games Mark Pope would love to have back, but nonetheless, the Cats now prepare to head back home for a big game against the Vanderbilt Commodores.

With Kentucky’s spot in the SEC standings, the remainder of the games hold increased value, but Wednesday’s game is big for a couple reasons.

The Wildcats will be at home on Wednesday against a Vanderbilt squad that beat them earlier in the season. Vanderbilt won 74-69 on January 25.

The Commodores enter at 5-7 in conference, just one game behind the Wildcats.

Missouri, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Kentucky, Mississippi State, and Vanderbilt make up spots 5-10 in the conference and are separated by just 3 games. Kentucky can’t afford to be swept by Vanderbilt in the regular season, especially with difficult matchups at Alabama and Missouri, and a home game against #1 Auburn still remaining on the schedule.

The Cats need to get their revenge against Vanderbilt at home on Wednesday, but that’ll be a tough task. The Commodores looked really good for a big chunk of their game at Tennessee yesterday, leading by 13 at halftime. Tennessee did come back and win 81-76, but this Vanderbilt team has shown they can come into an opposing arena and play well.

It’s hard to pin Wednesday’s game as a must-win, but it might be one of the most important games of this final six-game stretch for the Wildcats.

Tweet of the Day

Maybe the most odd resume in college basketball.

Headlines

How Kentucky fell apart late – Herald Leader

Cats almost stole one.

Pope says lack Butler, Robinson no excuse for late game failures – Cats Pause

Good to see Pope not making excuses.

Kobe Brea has been big factor in Kentucky’s losses – KSR

Brea has to step up with Robinson and Butler out.

Goose Givens expecting more offensive trouble with players out – Vaughts Views

Goose is probably right.

UK WBB to host Georgia – UK Athletics

Wildcats need to get back in the win column.

Mac McClung wins 3rd straight dunk contest – ESPN

Mac McClung: Dunk contest legend.

Tyler Herro wins 3-point contest – Bleacher Report

The former Cat won in his first-ever appearance.

Seton Hall upset UCONN – Yahoo

Things are not going well for the back-to-back champions.

Terrence Shannon’s jersey retirement takes upside down turn – CBS Sports

You don’t see that very often.

USA beats Canada with punches thrown – NBC Sports

Plenty of fighting in this one.