Wow. I can't believe that just happened. Tennessee basketball fans just went through every emotion possible in the 74-71 loss versus Kentucky. Highs, lows, anxiety, happiness, pain, etc., you name it, as the Tennessee basketball team once again blew a huge lead versus Kentucky. I just don't even know what to say. This team had won four straight and was turning the corner, but maybe they're stuck in neutral.
Hot Start for the Vols
Nate Ament set the tone early and often, making plays for the Vols. he drained four three-pointers and had 19 points, shooting 7-11 from the field. The Vols jumped to a big 47-33 halftime lead, and it looked like they would cruise to another big win. But Kentucky didn't give up, not at all.
Tennessee collapases once again
Suddenly, Tennessee found itself trailing by one with 6:18 left, evoking memories of the last time these two teams met. Tennessee started the second half 2-15 from the field and 0-4 from beyond the arc, letting the Wildcats back into the game.
Kentucky leaned on Otega Oweh and Denzel Aberdeen to carry them back into the contest with their 9 second-half points each. Tennessee went through a 3:56 scoring drought down the stretch, and the Wildcats took the lead again with 1:27 left courtesy of two Aberdeen free throws.
When the game is in the biggest moments, you have to lean on your stars. Nate Ament drove to the hole for a layup to give the Vols the lead 69-68 with 59 seconds left. After a Collin Chandler three, Barnes went to Ament again, but he missed the turnaround jumper with 16 seconds left. Despite being tired, the ball needed to be in his hands; he was the guy for Tennessee tonight.
Down three with a few seconds left, Ja'kobi Gillespie had a great half-court shot that bounced off the backboard and rolled around the rim, but it didn't fall. The collapse happened again.
Where does Tennessee go from here?
This one was painful. It hurts blowing a big lead twice to Kentucky, and Barnes will make sure the Vols know that. The good news is last time this happened, Tennessee came out stronger than ever and picked up four convincing wins.
Wednesday at nine the Vols head to Mississippi State where they will look to get back on track.