John Calipari prepared for rubber match vs. Tennessee in SEC Tournament

Kentucky earned bragging rights in its first head-to-head matchup vs. Tennessee this season. Scoring a season-high 107 points while shooting 67.9 percent from the field, 61.1 percent from three and 95.2 percent from the line, it was one of the most impressive offensive displays we’ve seen from the Wildcats during John Calipari’s time in Lexington. It was a 28-point statement win against a ranked team, one ranked in the top three nationally in defensive efficiency.

The second head-to-head battle exactly one month later?

“They then beat our brains out,” Calipari said Friday evening.

Kentucky would shoot just 34.3 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from three in Knoxville, with Tennessee 44.4 percent overall and 47.1 percent from three. The Wildcats dealt with some injury issues with TyTy Washington (ankle) and Sahvir Wheeler (wrist), but it wouldn’t have made much of a difference. It was Tennessee’s night, just as it was for Kentucky in Lexington a month earlier.

“We weren’t ready up there,” Calipari said. “I mean, Oscar and — we weren’t ready. Their guard play was so good there. It was like — and ours was not the same, and I got out-coached. I knew they would play different, which they move the ball. The ball pops.”

This time around, the season series is not only on the line, but also an SEC Tournament title appearance. And they’ll be facing off on a half-day of rest, with both Kentucky and Tennessee playing in the evening session the night before.

Calipari has regularly said that teams with fresh minds and fresh legs go the furthest in March. Today will be a test of both.

“You guys know the respect I have for Rick Barnes,” Calipari said Friday. “He is a friend, dear friend. I hate to play against friends, but we’re both going to have our teams as ready as we can with a quick turn. I mean, we’re playing tomorrow at 3:00. Our kids are going to get to bed by midnight. We play tomorrow at 3:00, so it will be interesting.”

It’s a challenge, though, Calipari is ready to take on.

“They’re running great offense, and they’re physical, and they’re a good defensive team,” Calipari said. “They’re good. It will be a hard game for us to win. No question.”