What a difference a game makes. After a deflating loss to South Carolina earlier in the week, Calipari and his Wildcats pick up the biggest win of the season, at least thus far, against the fifth-ranked Tennessee Volunteers. A victory that could not have come at a better time.
It would be a severe understatement to say it has been a tumultuous time in the bluegrass. No coach in sports has been under more scrutiny as of late the John Calipari. Grant it, Coach Cal can be a lightning rod for attention, both good and bad, however, the last few weeks have been unprecedented.
However, today, the head of the big blue table did something many wondered about, fair or unfair. Will Cal make the adjustments necessary to make a difference? Against Tennessee, the staff presented us with a new lineup consisting of Wallace, Frederick, Reeves, Toppin, and Tshebwe. This adjustment made a difference on the court.
The Wildcats also weathered the storm. First after beginning the game down 8-0. The next came in the in the second half when the Volunteers made a fierce comeback. Kentucky showed real mental toughness today.
Many who follow this program whether it be media or fans felt like this team had the ability to compete back in the preseason. Of course as the season has worn on, doubt started to creep in, even to the point of is this is an NIT level squad. Were those questions answered after this game? That is hard to say.
This was just one win. However, it was a big win. If you want to turn your season around, there is no better way to start then on the road against one of your biggest rivals, who just happens to be a top-five team.
There is still a lot of season to go and there is no way to predict how it will end. Will this catapult the team into the tournament with a chance to make some noise? Or will it merely be another nice emotional win in the midst of a tough strecth? Only time will tell, but here is to hoping for the former.
