Kentucky gives up 11-0 run to close out what was otherwise a great first half

This was going to be a feel-good halftime report going into the final media timeout, Kentucky up eight at the time and battling with the best of them despite coming in as double-digit underdogs. The shots were falling and the ball was moving, even with some crazy lineups on the floor — nine guys with at least four minutes, including eight from Collin Chandler.

Then the Cats gave up yet another big run to close out the half, Tennessee turning that eight-point deficit into a three-point lead at the break, up 33-30. It was an 11-0 run for the Vols, one that included five offensive rebounds in the final 2:17.

Brutal.

Otherwise, things are great for Kentucky. Jaxson Robinson is firing away, scoring 11 points on 4-11 shooting with three 3-pointers, followed by Ansley Almonor with nine points on 3-5 from three. Koby Brea added five while Otega Oweh has three and Brandon Garrison has two.

As a team, the Cats are shooting 40.7 percent from the field and 43.8 percent from three. On the other end, the Vols are shooting just 30.3 percent from the field and 25.0 percent from three. The difference? 8-12 at the line for UT, 1-2 at the line for UK. Eight turnovers compared to just one for Tennessee doesn’t help, either.

Oh well, no excuses. The door is open to go win this game. Just keep fighting and hitting shots, everything else will take care of itself. 20 minutes to take care of business.