The locker room was quiet, but the pain was loud.
Fresh off a gut-wrenching 67-64 loss to North Carolina in the ACC/SEC Challenge, Kentucky forward Andrija Jelavić joined franchise legend Jack Givens for a post-game radio interview. His demeanor wasn't one of frustration, but of genuine heartbreak.
Jelavić, who battled inside against a massive Tar Heels frontcourt, didn't mince words when asked where this loss ranks.
"Definitely the toughest so far," Jelavić admitted. "I'm really sad... We were in the lead until the last three... it's heartbreaking."
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What made the loss so difficult to process for Jelavić, and the fans (Fire Mark Pope is trending), was how well Kentucky played in certain areas compared to how poorly they shot the ball.
The Wildcats held North Carolina to 39% shooting and forced tough shots all night. Yet, they only made a single three-pointer (1-of-13) and were outrebounded 41-30. Jelavić noted the absurdity of being in position to win despite those offensive struggles.
"We couldn't finish the play," Jelavić said, referring to the rebounding issues. "We only scored one three... we were leading the game, that's really incredible."
It is a testament to the team's defensive grit that they were even in the game, but for a shooter like Jelavić, seeing only one ball go through the net from deep is a tough pill to swallow.
"I came a few months later... now I think I am fully adjusted," he said. "I am fighting for my position. When I am out there I am trying to prove myself and give everything on the defensive end."
That effort was visible Tuesday night. Jelavić was active, fighting for loose balls and trying to match UNC's physicality. He credits his connection to the fanbase for fueling that motor.
Despite the "sadness" of the evening, Jelavić ended the interview with a message of resilience. This team is down, but they don't plan on staying there.
"We are showing we are better and better every game," Jelavić said. "Tough loss in front of an amazing crowd. We are gonna be back and we are going to turn it around."
For a fanbase currently melting down on social media, Jelavić’s accountability and promise are a small glimmer of hope on a dark night in Rupp Arena.