In the closing seconds of regulation Friday, Mississippi State guard Jamont Gordon raises up over an out-stretched arm, sinks a 24-foot 3-pointer to tie the game and sends the SEC Tournament quarterfinals into overtime.
In the closing seconds of overtime, Kentucky guard Joe Crawford is smothered by three defenders, unable to get a partially blocked shot onto the rim.
This is why Tubby Smith’s days ay Kentucky are numbered. The 10th-year Kentucky coach has never been able to recruit a game-changer to Lexington, even though the school boasts rich tradition, passionate fans and a new $30 million practice facility.
Crawford, a McDonald’s All-American out of Detroit, Mich., hasn’t panned out to become the impact player that the Big Blue Nation expected. Center Randolph Morris finally played tough inside, but it wasn’t enough.
Unless Kentucky makes a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, expect the Wildcats to look for a new coach when the season ends. Mississippi State’s 84-82 overtime win over the Wildcats won’t sit well for a fanbase that expects to win the SEC Tournament every year. Getting knocked out twice in a row in the quarterfinals is a huge embarrassment.
