Back From Rupp

I got back from the Kentucky-Tennessee game at Rupp Arena late this afternoon. The Wildcats used a 20-2 run to beat the Volunteers 76-57. Chris Lofton missed his second straight game after suffering a sprained ankle Jan. 20. I talked briefly with Chris before the game, but I didn't get to see him after the game. He sat on the bench in street clothes. Lofton's parents sat in the front row behind the UT bench. Kentucky coach Tubby Smith acknowledged that the Wildcats were fortunate to play the Volunteers without Lofton. Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl pointed out that the Vols lead the Southeastern Conference in scoring (87 points per game) with Lofton, and they only scored 57 without him today. Tennessee only made nine field goal attempts in the second half. The Kentucky football team, the champion of the Music City Bowl, was introduced at halftime. Today was the first time I had attended a UK game on a media pass since Deron Feldhaus' Senior Day game in 1992. That also was Cawood Ledford's last broadcast at Rupp Arena. I don't plan on waiting another 15 years to go back.