Without watching, if someone had told me that the score of the Kentucky-Vanderbilt game Tuesday night was 93-52, I would have thought that Kentucky had finally turned the corner with first-year coach Billy Gillispie.
I would have thought that Kentucky had finally displayed a demolishing blowout of the 24th-ranked Commodores, making it two in a row over the ‘Dores this year—following a double-overtime win at Rupp Arena earlier in the season, at which time Vandy was ranked 13th.
I would have automatically assumed that Kentucky was back, running with the likes of Duke, North Carolina, and UCLA once again.
That however was the complete opposite of the events that actually unfolded in the Music City, as I did indeed watch this horrific meltdown of the SEC’s famed basketball powerhouse.
Vandy handed the Wildcats their worst loss since 1989, when Kansas routed UK by 55. In fact, it was Kentucky’s worst SEC loss ever!
Vanderbilt completely dominated the contest, leaving no doubt as to who was the better team. Eleven first-half points were all the Cats could muster, a number that is astounding in-and-of itself, without mentioning the fact that Kentucky compiled more fouls (26) than made baskets (17) on the night!
Forty-one second half points made the game look a little more respectable—if any respect at all can still be found following the 41-point thrashing UK took.
Freshman Patrick Patterson perhaps said it best when he referred to Kentucky as being “stomped in the ground” and “playing like little boys.”
Vandy Coach Kevin Stallings was almost speechless at the post-game conference, while Kentucky’s Gillispie openly admitted, “We got our tails kicked severely.”
Perhaps these feelings of distress were the underlying factors in Gillispie’s technical foul in the second half when he decided to grab the basketball and return to the bench with it following an offensive foul call against Joe Crawford. Or perhaps it was just a sign of struggles that undeniably lie ahead for Kentucky as they continue to desperately fight in an attempt to return to prominence while dropping to a record of 12-10 this season (6-3 SEC).
Vandy’s center A.J. Ogilvy dominated the show, scoring 19 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in only 24 minutes of play. Shan Foster added another 20 points, which almost accounted for enough points for those two men to outscore Kentucky by themselves.
Insult was further added to injury when former high school basketball’s Mr. Kentucky, Ross Neltner, single-handedly outscored the Cats for the first 24 minutes of the game, finishing the night with 15.
The corner has indeed been turned—only it is Vandy in the driver’s seat. After starting league play with a record of 2-4, they are at this time displaying as dominant a performance as anyone in the SEC. By winning four straight in a brutal schedule that has them playing six of their first nine conference games on the road, they have improved to 21-4 overall and 6-4 in the SEC.
This success for Vanderbilt will only be fueled by last night’s victory over Kentucky and the fact that they have won five out of their last six games against the Wildcats.
Look for the Commodores to present a serious threat down the stretch as they might possibly be the biggest sleeper, not only in the SEC tournament, but much more so when March Madness rolls around.
As for Kentucky, look for them to just keep sleeping, at least for the rest of this season.
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5 months ago
Kentucky hiring Billy Gillispie looks like a horrible decision right now. Especially when you look at how Tubby's doing up in Minnesota and how Texas A&M is doing w/out their amazing head coach. It's definitely not a lack of talent on Kentucky's part...it's coaching. As for Vandy, I know nothing about them right now, but 21-4 ain't too bad
from 5 months ago
To be honest I really don't know a lot about Vandy either, but just like you said, 21-4 ain't too bad. I may be way off on this, but I look for them to make a run come tournament time. The thing about Vandy is, they don't have a lot of flash, but they have solid, fundamental players. That should pay-off big for them down the stretch.
5 months ago
Vandy's non-conference schedule was pretty weak overall.
And they have lost some bad games in SEC action, getting torn up by an average FL team, crushed by Ole Miss and Tennessee (although Tenn is crushing everyone in the SEC), and barely beating USC by one with a second left.
The win over Kentucky appears to be an anomaly.
Losing Derrick Byars was huge, and it seems like good teams have found ways to limit Foster and Ogilvy.
And they still have to play FL again, Tenn again, Arkansas, and Miss. St. All tough games.
I've been able to see a bunch of their games this year, and I don't see a repeat run in the tournament.
5 months ago
Timmy, Timmy, Timmy...buddy, you got a long way to go in with journalism skills. I appreciate your article, except the one thing you lack is logic. Yes, Vany whipped Kentucky. Yes, Kentucky is not at its usual standard, which to most any other team in the SEC would be astronomical by their standards. There is still a lot of basketball to be played. If I'm not mistaken there is still an SEC Tournament in Atlanta to be played. Ohh, wait, I just remembered something. Oh yeah, that's right, this small little fact. Kentucky has not played a game with their starters at 100% once in the regular season. That is a magnificent factor to ignore. There are quite a few ways that Kentucky can slip into the NCAA Tourney. Yes, there are great odds that they will end up in the NIT, but as I said earlier, there is still a lot of basketball to be played. My parting words: Beat Kentucky now, because in two seasons they will be back on top. Not only in the SEC, but in the whole NCAA. Billy Clyde is a recruiting monster. Don't believe me, just look at who have their highest interest in UK and who has already signed. Beat them now, because it won't happen for long. Timothy, I'll see you at the NCAA tournament, when Kentucky breaks into the Sweet 16.
from 5 months ago
First of all, Chucky boy, if you think my journalism skills are lacking, why don't you try to write one of your own? Why don't you defend your beloved UK? That would seem to be the LOGICAL thing to me! I have nothing at all against Kentucky. In fact they are a part of the best conference - the SEC! So with that being said, they are already above most other schools for being a part of such a dominating league.
Second, you must not have read the entire article. At the end I specifically said, "As for Kentucky, look for them to just keep sleeping, at least for the rest of this season." The rest of this season, as in they will be back. Dominate programs never stay down long, and Kentucky is no exception.
Third, I never made a direct shot at kentucky's program or said they are horrible or that they are finished. I simply stated that Vandy should be exalted for dominating UK over the past few games they've played each other, a feat that not many teams can claim over the Cats.
Last, if UK is so great to make it to the sweet 16, even when the are not 100%, then they should have made a better showing as they got it handed to them Tuesday night!!
5 months ago
I read your article; the entire thing. I know what you said about "sleeping". I know that you said "for the rest of the season". I just know that you are also wrong with that statement. The rest of the season? That's better than getting slapped in the belly with a wet fish my friend. I am over Tuesday night, just like UK is over it as well. Billy is going to have his boys in check and that is all there is to the matter. Yes Vanderbilt slaughtered UK Tuesday night, but who one the first game of the season. Sure there was an insane amount of point difference, but does that matter when it comes to RPI? Before you go and waste your time googling to find out, I'll tell you. NO. No, it does not matter how bad you defeat a team when it comes to the RPI. Therefore, Vanderbilt and UK are even on the season. Oh but wait, there is more. Kentucky is in higher standings than Vanderbilt within the Southeastern Conference; or as of right now they are. Bottom line, my post is in response that UK's season is far from over, just like majority of the rest of the SEC. Seeya in the tourney Timbo.
from 5 months ago
See ya in the tourney...if you make it.
5 months ago
consider it done buddy.
5 months ago
oops, one more thing...War Damn Eagle. Or should I say "War Damn Six In A Row"
from 5 months ago
That's real cute Charlie...you said "oops".
You decided to write your own article yet?
And oh yeah, did you see Vandy make it five in a row by beating the defending national champs over the weekend? I thought it was great!
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