KSR Today: Kentucky drops instant classic to Kansas

At the Champions Classic, Kansas and Kentucky both looked like potential Final Four teams facing off at the United Center. There were 10 lead changes, over 80 possessions, All-American players playing like All-Americans, major shotmaking, and a game that was decided in crunch time.

For the second year in a row at this event, the Wildcats were unable to hold on to a lead entering the final media timeout. The Jayhawks outscored the Cats 11-1 over the final three-plus minutes of the game to secure an 89-84 victory in Chicago. The No. 1 ranked team in college basketball will remain the No. 1 ranked team for a little while longer.

For Kentucky, Tuesday night was a missed opportunity early in the season, but there is still some good to pull from.

John Calipari likes his team

Despite seeing his team blow a 14-point lead in the second half, John Calipari left the United Center feeling good. The Kentucky head men’s basketball coach saw his team go toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in college basketball and nearly left the Champions Classic with a victory.

The Wildcats have a lot to work on, and the loss was disappointing, but Cal likes his team.

“We’re learning,” Calipari said in his postgame press conference. “None of us are happy that we lost the game. And I’m not happy. I’ve got work to do to help them finish games off, figure out who needs to be in at the end of those games.

“But to come in this environment, with everything that goes with this, the bells and whistles and they perform like they did? You couldn’t ask for much more other than to make some free throws and a shot down the stretch and win.”

The biggest focus point now for the team is figuring out how to close games after a bad ending on Tuesday night in Chicago.

John Calipari and Bill Self press conferences

John Calipari and Bill Self each took the podium after the game to field questions from the media. KSR was on-site and has both videos up now on the KSR YouTube Channel.

More postgame coverage is on the way on the KSR YouTube Channel. Subscribe today to see press conferences, interviews, Rapid Reaction, and more.

Rapid Reaction: Sources Say Edition

Jack Pilgrim and Shawn Smith were on site at the United Center for Kansas’ 89-84 game. After the game, the Sources Say duo jumped in front of the camera to give some thoughts on what happened and where Kentucky goes from here.

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Much more postgame content at KSR

The KSR crew was up late into Wednesday morning recapping the first big game of the season. We will have more coming on this beautiful Hump Day. Miss anything from last? We’ve got your morning reading all right here.

Much more coming to Kentucky Sports Radio later today. Stay tuned.

Two big recruiting wins

We also got the rare recruiting double-dip on Tuesday before the ball was tipped at the Champions Classic. Both Kentucky football and Kentucky men’s basketball recorded significant wins on the recruiting trail.

Jason Patterson has long been near the top of Kentucky’s recruiting board at tailback, and the Wildcats were able to flip the Cincinnati commit on Tuesday. Jayden Quaintance has also been a premium target for John Calipari’s staff. That recruitment ended with a commitment on Tuesday.

KSR has provided full coverage for each commitment. Smash those links.

Kentucky-South Carolina prep rolls on

Kentucky will hit the hardwood again on Friday when the Wildcats host Stonehill, but we will not see John Calipari’s team in another big until they host Miami on Nov. 28. Over the next few days, football will come into focus. The Cats have a huge game on Saturday night at Williams-Brice Stadium against South Carolina.

Mark Stoops and Shane Beamer will both speak on the SEC Teleconference this afternoon. KSR will be on the call. Stay tuned for updates. Our typical pregame content will all start to get rolled out this morning as we all turn the page from last night. Defensive coordinator Brad White will speak to reporters this evening. We will have a practice report up tonight. Nick Roush and myself will also go live on YouTube at 8:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. CT with another episode of 11 Personnel.

We’ve reached one of the busiest spots on the Kentucky athletics calendar. Stay locked in with KSR as we get ready for another big football weekend.

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