All the remarks made by Rick Barnes following the Tennessee Volunteers’ defeat on senior day against Kentucky.

No. 15 Kentucky thwarted No. 4 Tennessee’s senior day celebrations inside Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on Saturday afternoon, securing an upset victory as underdogs on the road with an 85-81 win, thanks to their impressive 11-of-22 shooting performance from beyond the three-point line.

Tennessee struggled to contain the trio of Antonio Reeves, Justin Edwards, and Reed Sheppard in their defeat. These three players were responsible for all of Kentucky’s successful three-point shots, combining for an 11-of-18 shooting record from long range.

Leading the Wildcats, Sheppard showcased an outstanding performance with 27 points, hitting 7-of-10 three-pointers, in addition to contributing five rebounds and five assists. Reeves also tallied 27 points, making 3-of-5 shots from beyond the arc and converting 8-of-9 free throws. Edwards chipped in with 16 points, including four successful three-pointers.

Kentucky concluded the game with a shooting percentage of 46% from the field, 52% from three-point range, and an impressive 88% from the free-throw line.

Following the game, Tennessee coach Rick Barnes addressed the media to reflect on his team’s performance and the factors contributing to Kentucky’s success on the court. Barnes acknowledged Kentucky’s offensive prowess, emphasizing their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and make crucial plays. He noted the importance of guarding against Kentucky’s offensive strategies and credited them for executing effectively.

Barnes also highlighted his team’s emotional start to the game, expressing disappointment in their impatience and lack of execution on offense. He stressed the need for higher-quality shot selection and acknowledged that Tennessee’s offensive struggles allowed Kentucky to gain momentum and control the game tempo.

Despite the loss, Barnes commended his team for their resilience and emphasized the learning opportunity presented by the game. He reminded his players of their status as regular-season champions in a highly competitive league and encouraged them to use this experience to grow and improve as they face future challenges throughout the season.