Vicky Graff Photo
Reed Sheppard didn’t have to be reminded about what happened to Kentucky when Tennessee came to Rupp Arena.
“They punked us out. They hit us and got offensive rebound after offensive rebound. We knew they would be physical and we knew we could not allow them to do that,” Sheppard said.
Kentucky didn’t let the Vols do that Saturday in Knoxville but the Vols did let Sheppard destroy them in the second half of UK’s 85-81 win.
Sheppard finished with 27 points and 22 of them came in the second half when he was 7-for-8 from the field overall and 6-for-7 from 3-point range
“I love his energy. Plays hard and does a little bit of everything,” CBS-TV analyst Grant Hill, a Duke All-American, said. “He has just taken over here in the second half. His 3-point shooting is so good and driving lanes will be there because of that.”
Hill was in awe when Sheppard drove under the basket and somehow managed to whip a pass outside to Edwards who hit a 3-pointer in the second half that opened a 14-point lead for UK.
“I don’t know how Sheppard found Edwards right there,” Hill said.
“He knows. The kid sees things,” CBS analyst Bill Raftery answered. “Reed Sheppard is so clever. This kid is a keeper. No wonder Kentucky loves this kid. Reed Sheppard is just solid. What a big-time talent.”
CBS-TV studio host Clark Kellogg, a former Ohio State all-American, picked UK to win before the game started and he knew Sheppard was a big reason UK did.
“Reed Sheppard was fantastic. This young freshman is unflappable when it comes to getting the shots he wants and shooting the way he has trained for 15 years. He knocked down six straight 3’s in the second half,” Kellogg said.
Sheppard also had a blocked 3-point shot late in the game along with six rebounds, five assists, and one steal that he converted into a one-on-one 3-pointer.
“This was a huge, huge game for us and a big win,” Sheppard said. “Tennessee is a really good team and we had to stick together and play as a team and lock in on defense.
“We were not worried about (SEC/NCAA) seeding or anything. We were just playing.”
Kentucky coach John Calipari was not happy with UK’s late-game turnovers, including two by Sheppard that let Tennessee cut into a 10-point lead and have a late 3-point shot that would have tied the game.
“The late-game stuff is on us now. Nothing the coaches can do,” Sheppard said. “We got to be stronger with the ball and smarter. We will. Anytime we have had a struggle with something we have figured it out and straightened it out.”
Sheppard said that to former UK all-American Jack Givens on the UK Radio Network postgame show and Givens loved it.
“You own it and do not hide it. I love that about you,” Givens said.
So do Kentucky fans.
17 Responses
Another great game for Sheppard and Reeves. Edwards had a decent game and Ugo owned the lane. As good as the defense was at times, they still let off the gas on that end of the floor too often and it will mean trouble again in post season play. We can’t count on shooting 51% from the arc every game. Ok Calipari lovers, let me hear you SQUEAL!!! Oh, I forgot…rah, rah, rah!
We’re getting better. Come on Barry, let’s ride this Thang.
London Legend will lead us!!
Man…that Cal-Aid tasted so good. It went down like sweet nectar. I’m starting a go fund me page for the Cats. They will need it for bail after that murder they committed in Knoxville. There will be plenty of time to raise the money since they don’t play until Friday, NOT WEDNESDAY! Wildwest you all ain’t riding nothing. You’ve been kicked off the Big Blue Train. RAH! RAH! RAH! GO CAL’S CATS!!! WHINE Little Crybabies, WHINE! 😫🍼
Jimmy! Jimmy!! Your Midol…take some!
Change your Depend Barry. I know you crapped in it when the Cats won. You make yourself more Pathetic with each post. RAH! RAH, RAH! GO Cal’s Cats!!!
Yep, always making a fool of himself on here.
Got drunk on the Cal Aid and kicked off the train.
Jimmy, Jimmy….therapy still recommended!! We haven’t totally given up on you yet but entering danger zone.
51% shooting is possible with this bunch. And we’re playing better defense.
We did play better D for most of the game and that shows we can play it when we WANT to. It does feel very, very good to get a "feel good" W and hopefully a good carry-thru weekend!
No feel good win for you. You’re included in the above post mike. I still don’t get the we, we’re, us, and our. You ALL Haven’t and Couldn’t play One Second.
Jimmy….you have never been affiliated with any team so WE is hard to accept.
Barry, Mike and so call nay Sayers kiss the cats grits. Best defensive game we played all year and I said on here that the cats would win Cals Kool aid is good.
How about the ONLY!!…how proud does that make you feel?
Give Reed a contract for $10M per year for the next 3 years – after graduation make him the head coach @ the going rate ! Won’t have to play 80+ games a year on a horrible lottery team. Think this through – not as crazy as it seems at first glance.
You’re on to something Paul. I think Reed will stay long enough to get a degree. He would make a great head coach. He would ask for a clause in his contract for all of the rah rah azzkissers to leave with the FRAUD.
Barry, cry little whiner. Reed won’t be back. He will make more in year one in the NBA than you could make in 20 lifetimes. He will probably work on his degree in the off seasons. I’m sure Jeff is working on his portfolio at the moment. If Reed read you comments, who do think he would tell to get the HE!! OUT!!!