(H-L photo/Mark Cornelison)
Big Blue Links and News:
ON TAP – Not much today, as Kentucky basketball held its pre-Vanderbilt interviews on Thursday to satisfy John Calipari’s 52nd birthday wish. He said, “I just wanted to get it over with.” We have no doubt that was correct, and in honor of his birthday, take no offense. The men do play at Vanderbilt on Saturday, 1 p.m. on CBS.
BAD LOSS FOR THE LADIES – Old coaching adage says don’t let one loss become two. Kentucky’s women did not take heed. Monday night’s tough loss at home to Tennessee, in a nationally-televised game, surely had some affect on Matthew Mitchell’s team losing 66-61 at South Carolina last night. The Lady Gamecocks are just 14-10 overall and 6-5 in the SEC after the win. Kentucky, now 7-4 in SEC competition, tumbled all the way to fourth place.
Paulina Berkovich of the Daily Gamecock reports: “In the second half, USC extended its lead to as much as 11 before Kentucky started clawing back again. With just inside three minutes left, a basket by A’dia Mathies cut the lead to 55-52. From that point forward, however, Carolina scored 11 consecutive points off free throws. Grant, who finished with 12 points, knocked down the final two to seal the win.”
“We gave some effort tonight but not the effort we’re used to. They were just really tougher than us tonight,” said UK coach Matthew Mitchell, whose team plays host to LSU on Sunday.
SEC WOMEN’S SCORES LAST NIGHT – Vanderbilt beat Georgia 65-59. Tennessee rolled over Florida 61-39. LSU stopped Auburn 55-52. Mississippi State whipped Ole Miss 59-43. The Lady Vols lead the league with a perfect 11-0 mark. Georgia and Vanderbilt are tied for second, each at 8-3. Kentucky is 7-4. LSU is 7-5. And LSU visits UK on Sunday, 2:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
UK FANS SAY “I’M LOVIN’ IT” – All four of UK’s early signees are named to the McDonald’s All-American team. The four are the most ever in a single UK class. Over at the C-J, Jody Demling reports that nine of the McDonald’s choices have either Kentucky or Indiana ties. Next Cats has a look at the rosters.
MORE IN THE HERALD-LEADER – Mark Story writes a notes column with views on the new Mitch Barnhart contract and the possible Rupp Arena renovation.
JORTS DAY AND BEYOND – Jerry Tipton writes on Josh Harrellson’s re-surgence, exploring John Calipari’s comment after Tuesday’s win over Tennessee that Josh had been “BSing” in practice the last couple of weeks.
Click here for my blog post breaking down Harrellson’s seven baskets against the Vols.
And Larry Vaught of the Danville Advocate-Messenger has a nice story, with pics, on Harrellson visiting an elementary school in Harrodsburg.
And don’t forget the on-line petition calling for Lexington Mayor Jim Gray to make March 1 “Jorts Day.” (Hat tip Wildcat Blue Nation)
Continue reading ‘BBL: Bad loss for the ladies; Jorts Day on the way?’
