SAD NEWS: After quarrelling with the head coach star player makes shocking announcement today….
Since John Calipari arrived at Kentucky, he has often downplayed the importance of the SEC Tournament.
Even before traveling to Nashville, Calipari said this after the regular season finale, “You know the only tournament that matters to me. After this weekend, that tournament.”
March Madness is known for unexpected upsets, and last Thursday was no exception. The most shocking of all came when the Oakland Golden Grizzlies upset the Kentucky Wildcats 80-76. The Wildcats had been among the favorites to make a deep NCAA Tournament run.
Despite coming into the tournament as a No. 3 seed, John Calipari’s squad once again took an early exit, this time to No. 14-seeded Oakland. The loss continues a negative trend for Kentucky, who now has made three straight exits in either the first or second round.
A season ago, Kentucky was eliminated in the second round. The year prior, they left the tournament after the first round. Kentucky hasn’t advanced past the Sweet 16 since 2019, when the team lost in the Elite Eight. They are now over a decade removed from their most recent national championship win, with an Anthony Davis-led squad in 2012.
Oakland reserve guard Jack Gohlke proved a tough cover for Kentucky in this game. Gohlke recorded 32 points and two rebounds for the Golden Grizzlies. Oakland’s Trey Townsend also hurt Kentucky, recording a double-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds and four assists in the upset. DQ Cole added 12 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
Even with the loss, Kentucky still saw four players reach double-digit scoring. Antonio Reeves went off for the Wildcats, recording 27 points, three rebounds and one assist. Tre Mitchell nabbed a double-double with 14 points, 13 rebounds and two assists. Justin Edwards and Rob Dillingham each added ten points, though it ultimately wasn’t enough.
