Kentucky fans, get used to having one lone senior for Senior Night for awhile.
With all the UK one-and-dones, there could possibly be NO seniors for some future Senior Nights.
However, on Jorts Day, the ‘Cats continued Calipari’s perfect streak at home behind Brandon Knight’s 17 points.
By halftime, it looked like Kentucky had the game sealed and they were actually going to toss Vanderbilt around in the second half, with UK up 40-29.
But the Commodores would answer with Festus Ezeli and Co. the first five minutes of the second half.
Jeffrey Taylor and John Jenkins started to come to life as the game progressed (thank goodness they did not find their strokes early), and, eventually, they got Vanderbilt back into the game.
The SEC’s best three-point shooting squad also had help from some questionable defense from the ‘Cats at points during the game. Many times Brad Tinsley and other guards got to the basket without much effort, something Coach Calipari will have to work on down the stretch of March — especially on the road.
Despite awful parts of the game, once again, Darius Miller proved to be a key component to this UK squad.
Down the stretch when baskets were needed, Miller converted and/or took a good shot, unlike others (Terrence Jones).
Miller finished with 12 points, and Terrence Jones dropped in 15, along with nine rebounds.
Knight also converted some clutch shots, including the floater over a Vanderbilt defender in crunch time.
Unfortunately for Josh Harrellson, he could not convert the double-double he has become accustomed to getting, but he concluded this chapter of his college career in great style.
He finished with eight points, nine rebounds, and four huge blocks for the game.
In reality, if it wasn’t for some of his timely blocked shots and rebounds, John Calipari would have his first loss at Rupp Arena.
That has been the definition of Harrellson during his tenure at Kentucky, along with “Jorts.” He has done the tiny things that are essential to winning.
And Big Blue Nation thanks you for that.
Congrats on a great career, Josh, and keep it going!
‘Cats win 68-66 over Vanderbilt.
Follow Garrett Tucker on Twitter [URL=”https://twitter.com/GTuckersports”]@GTuckersports[/URL]
