What John Calipari said after No. 5 Kentucky hammered No. 1 Tennessee
The Kentucky Wildcats thumped Tennessee 86-69 Saturday night in front of a wild Rupp Arena.
The younger Cats were the most physically superior team compared to the veteran Volunteers. PJ Washington led Kentucky and had a game-high 23 points. Three other Cats finished in double figures — Reid Travis (11), Keldon Johnson (19) and Tyler Herro (15). Ashton Hagans also played one of his best games. Herro also added 13 rebounds.
Saturday night’s win over the Vols marked UK’s best game of the season, and the Wildcats’ goal for a No. 1 overall seed is within reach.
John Calipari spoke to the media following the blowout win:
Calipari said that he wants Nick Richards to feel that every UK fan everywhere wants him to do well, because they do.
— Kernel Sports (@KYKernelSports) February 17, 2019
Calipari said Reid Travis was “a beast playing against another beast”, able to guard Grant Williams so Washington didn’t have to.
— Kernel Sports (@KYKernelSports) February 17, 2019
Calipari said that Ashton Hagans chose to be a different person recently. Said he played well today.
— Kernel Sports (@KYKernelSports) February 17, 2019
Calipari says in a huddle guys were wondering why he was going nuts while up 12. "WE WERE UP 24!" he yelped. "But they're young kids." Cal going out of his way to insist Tennessee is the No. 1 team in the country. (Not anymore.)
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) February 17, 2019
"We got them today, but we have to go up to Knoxville. Can we … do we … do we have to go to Knoxville?" https://t.co/rEGNwIXFVo
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) February 17, 2019
John Calipari:
“The difference was Reid Travis. He was a beast”
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) February 17, 2019
Calipari said the loss to LSU was exactly what UK needed. “Probably helped us win this game.”
— Kernel Sports (@KYKernelSports) February 17, 2019
Calipari said some guys cramped up, which is great, because it meant they went as hard as they can. But Kenny Payne said "we probably need to get 7-10 percent more conditioning" to go hard like this in big games upcoming.
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) February 17, 2019
Calipari said that Tennessee beats teams shooting 2’s, rebounding and scoring in transition. Limiting those were the key.
— Kernel Sports (@KYKernelSports) February 17, 2019
