Jacob Toppin shares optimistic outlook after Kansas loss

It’s hard to look at the bigger picture right after a loss the magnitude of Kentucky‘s against Kansas Saturday night, especially after the way the season has panned out for the Wildcats thus far.

UK forward Jacob Toppin provided some veteran leadership with some words of wisdom that he and his teammates can take away from moving forward. Kentucky had a chance to win late, but they couldn’t overcome the Jayhawks and there’s nothing Toppin, or anyone else, can do about it — so it’s time to move on.

“Considering that we could have still won the game, obviously it’s not the end of the world. We understand that,” Toppin said postgame. “We’re still together. We’re just going to watch film and get better.”

Kentucky head coach John Calipari has always preached the 24-hour rule which says that you’re able to be upset about a loss for one day. Afterward, burn the tape and get ready for the next one.

That’s not to say Kentucky played awful — they didn’t by any stretch. KU and UK stayed neck-and-neck until the final few minutes, and then last-second free throws ran the score up to near double-digits. Toppin did his part by scoring 14 points, but only pulled down four rebounds in 32 minutes on the court.

The Wildcats finished the game being out-rebounded 34-29 despite being the No. 7 rebounding team in the country. Kentucky also shot under 70 percent from the free throw line and 15 percent from deep. Sure, it says something about Kentucky that they could play that poor offensively and still stay in the game against a team like Kansas, but UK isn’t going to be able to win games playing like that in March — as long as they make it to there first.

Kentucky has another chance to get back in the win column and notch another SEC win this Tuesday on the road against Ole Miss. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET live on ESPN.